Russia has recalled its ambassador to the United Kingdom amid worsening diplomatic relations with London over Britain's continued support for Ukraine. The departure of Andrey Kelin, who served as Moscow's ambassador in London for more than seven years, has left the Russian diplomatic mission without a permanent ambassador as tensions between the two countries continue to deepen.
Kelin left Britain on July 21, but Moscow has not nominated a successor to the UK Foreign Office. The Russian embassy in London said the post is currently being handled by a chargé d'affaires and indicated that a more constructive relationship could resume if Britain changes its approach towards Russia.
Moscow keeps ambassador post vacant
A spokesperson for the Russian embassy confirmed that the Kremlin had not submitted a candidate to replace Kelin. The embassy is therefore continuing its diplomatic work under a chargé d'affaires, without a permanent ambassador in London.
Kelin's departure comes against the backdrop of a sharp deterioration in UK-Russia relations since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly criticised Western countries for their military, political and economic support for Kyiv and has warned of consequences in response to what it considers hostile policies.
Britain maintains support for Ukraine
The latest development comes as Britain continues to strongly support Ukraine despite repeated warnings from Moscow.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain will continue to support Ukraine fully. His remarks followed Russian warnings over the reported use of British-made drones in attacks on targets deep inside Russian territory.
The Russian embassy in London has previously raised concerns about Britain's alleged involvement in such attacks, while the UK has continued to provide military and political backing to Kyiv.
Putin warns of retaliation
The diplomatic dispute is also unfolding alongside an escalation in attacks targeting Russian economic infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of deliberately targeting parts of Russia's economy and warned that Moscow would respond by hitting what he described as Ukraine's most sensitive economic sectors.
Ukraine has increasingly used drones against Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure linked to Moscow's war effort. Kyiv has argued that such operations are intended to disrupt Russia's ability to finance and sustain the war.
Diplomatic divide widens
Moscow's decision not to immediately appoint a replacement for Kelin highlights the increasingly limited space for diplomatic engagement between Russia and Britain.
The relationship has deteriorated substantially since the Ukraine war began, with sanctions, military assistance to Kyiv and accusations over attacks on Russian territory becoming major points of contention.
Russia has previously warned that diplomatic relations with Western countries could be downgraded in response to what it calls unfriendly actions. Moscow has also taken similar steps involving several European countries since the start of the conflict.
Ukraine remains central to tensions
Britain's continued commitment to Ukraine and Russia's increasingly aggressive response to Ukrainian strikes are likely to remain central to the relationship between Moscow and London.
For now, Russia's embassy in London will operate under a chargé d'affaires, while no timetable has been given for the appointment of a new ambassador. The vacant post reflects the broader diplomatic freeze between the two countries as the Ukraine conflict continues.
