Russia withdraws ambassador to UK amid escalating Ukraine tensions

The move comes amid a significant deterioration of bilateral relations, particularly since the start of the war in Ukraine. Last week, the Russian embassy issued a stern warning of "consequences" after reports emerged that Ukraine had used drones made by British companies to attack targets within Russia. The embassy stated on Telegram that "London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer."

While a gap in ambassadorial representation is not unprecedented, a former British defence attache in Moscow and Kyiv suggested that the current strident rhetoric and the poor state of relations might lead Moscow to permanently downgrade the diplomatic relationship by not replacing Kelin. A spokesman for the Russian embassy indicated that Kelin departed with the hope that a more constructive dialogue could be restored if the UK reconsidered its policies towards Russia.

However, a former British soldier who was held by Russian forces noted that meaningful engagement had already been lacking, and that the Russian embassy often repeats Kremlin narratives. Kelin himself has previously echoed Kremlin talking points in interviews with British media.