The embassy issued a statement after the publication “The Sunday Times” reported that Moscow had recalled its envoy Andrey Kelin, thus “trying to force Britain to reconsider its support for Ukraine.”
Moscow did not propose any candidates to replace A. Kelin, “and embassy staff reportedly have no knowledge of when his successor might be appointed,” the newspaper reported.
“In response to ‘The Sunday Times’ article about Andrey Kelin ending his diplomatic mission as Russia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, the embassy considers it necessary to note that nothing in the comment provided to the newspaper indicates that the Russian side intends to reduce the level of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” the Russian embassy said in a statement published on the Telegram network.
“Regarding the state of Russia-UK relations in all areas, they have deteriorated to an unprecedentedly low level solely at London’s initiative,” it added.
A. Kelin, who served as Russia’s ambassador to the UK for more than seven years, left his post on July 21, “The Sunday Times” reported.
“Reducing the level of diplomatic relations by recalling an ambassador is one of the formal ways for a government to express strong dissatisfaction or protest without completely severing ties,” the publication noted.
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The UK Foreign Office told the news agency AFP that this is “a matter for the Russian Foreign Ministry.”
“We have an ambassador and an embassy in Moscow to maintain contact and raise concerns with the Russian government,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, which has the right to defend itself against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion,” it added.
Moscow on Monday warned the UK that it will “pay a price” after reports that UK-made drones supplied to Ukraine were used in strikes deep inside Russian territory.
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