Russia expels British diplomat for 'spying'; seventh such case in four months

Russia on Tuesday expelled a British diplomat over allegations of spying as tensions soar over the conflict in Ukraine. 

In a statement, Russia's Federal Security Service, said the diplomat, identified as Edward Pryor Wilkes, had provided false personal data while seeking permission to enter the country.

The security agency alleged that he has worked for British intelligence under diplomatic cover, replacing one of the six British diplomats who were expelled from Russia in August. The FSB alleged that Wilkes was involved in intelligence and subversive activities that threatened the security of the Russian Federation.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Wilkes has been ordered to leave the country within two weeks. 

The British ambassador was summoned by the foreign ministry to hand over the notice. 

This is the seventh British diplomat in four months on charges of espionage. The earlier six diplomats worked in the "political department" of the British embassy in Moscow. Meanwhile, Russia's allegations were rejected by the UK. 

Ukraine hit Russia twice in the last three days with US-made missiles

Ukraine has hit Russia twice with US-produced ATACMS missiles over the last three days. Moscow said that it is "preparing for a response". 

"According to confirmed data, over the past three days, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have carried out two strikes with long-range Western weapons on targets in the Kursk region," the defence ministry said.

Ukraine fired five ATACMS in the area of ​​Lotaryovka, 37km northwest of Kursk, aiming for an S-400 anti-aircraft system last Saturday. 

"Two reached their target," it said. 

Ukraine also launched another strike with eight ATACMS... on the Kursk-Vostochny airfield" on Monday, it said.

"The Russian Ministry of Defence is monitoring the situation and response actions are being prepared," it said.