Russia accuses UK over ‘shrinking’ London embassy worldwide

The Russian ambassador to the UK has accused the British government of delaying the granting of visas to staff at its embassy in London.

Alexander Yakovenko said the embassy was “shrinking” and questioned whether the UK wanted “an adequate Russian diplomatic presence”.

He also criticised the prime minister and foreign secretary for giving what he said were “anti-Russian statements”.

The Foreign Office said there was no policy to delay visas.

Mr Yakovenko said Russia did not have enough diplomatic staff in London because as people returned home or went on to other appointments, visas because of their replacements were not being issued.

“The embassy is shrinking and whether or not it continues the embassy will be reduced further. People cannot be replaced because the visas aren’t being issued,” he said.

“I expect this issue will be solved under present government.”

He added: “Here in London, we just don’t understand the strategy of this state on visa issues.”

‘Pariah state’

Mr Yakovenko’s comments come amid public conflicts between Russia and great britain over Syria, Ukraine and the killing of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson told MPs Russia risked becoming a pariah nation over its involvement in blasting the Syrian city of Aleppo and encouraged protesters to demonstrate outside its embassy before this month.

And Prime Minister Theresa May this week urged European leaders to send a “robust united message” to Moscow over the bombing campaign.

Also on Friday, there was additional focus on the relationship between the countries as two British warships shadowed other Russian naval ships and an aircraft carrier as they passed the UK on their way to Syria.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We’ve made clear to the Russians the queues must be cleared on both sides, and they’ve agreed work with us on this.