Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, leaving its London embassy without a permanent ambassador as relations between Moscow and Britain sink further over the war in Ukraine. Kelin left his post on 21 July after more than seven years, and Russia has not yet named a successor, although Moscow insists the move does not amount to a formal downgrading of diplomatic relations.
For the British public, there is no immediate action to take. However, the absence of a full ambassador matters because senior diplomats can provide an important channel for communication at a time of military tension and repeated warnings between the UK and Russia.
Kelin’s departure was confirmed by the Russian embassy in London. Russia’s list of senior diplomatic staff now identifies Vasily A Tsyganov, the chargé d’affaires, as the senior official at the mission. A chargé d’affaires is a diplomat who can run an embassy when an ambassador is absent.
Moscow said Kelin’s diplomatic mission formally ended on 21 July. The embassy blamed Britain for what it described as the exceptionally poor state of relations between the two countries, while saying the departure should not be interpreted as Russia formally reducing the level of diplomatic ties.
Kelin had served in London since 2019 and became one of Moscow’s most visible representatives in Britain following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
New Daily Prime previously reported on Kelin when Britain and the European Union summoned Russian envoys following deadly missile strikes on Kyiv. The British Council’s offices in the Ukrainian capital were among buildings damaged during those attacks.
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UK drone support adds to tensions
Kelin’s departure has become more significant because relations have deteriorated further since he left.
Last week, Russia warned Britain of unspecified “consequences” following reports that British-made drones had been used by Ukrainian forces to strike targets inside Russia. Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded by saying the UK would continue to support Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence did not confirm the specific reports about the drones used in attacks inside Russia.
However, Britain has openly committed substantial military support to Kyiv. In June, the Government announced a £752 million package that included plans to provide 150,000 Ukrainian-produced drones by the end of 2026, as well as air-defence missiles and radar equipment.
An earlier package announced in April included long-range strike drones, reconnaissance equipment and other unmanned systems.
The UK has maintained that Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Moscow, meanwhile, has repeatedly accused Western countries of becoming increasingly involved in the conflict by supplying weapons and military equipment to Kyiv.
New Daily Prime has followed the wider diplomatic struggle over the war, including the Trump-Putin summit that ended without a ceasefire agreement and subsequent disputes over how any peace settlement should be reached.
No replacement announced for Kelin
One of the key questions is whether Russia will appoint another ambassador.
A gap between ambassadors does not automatically mean diplomatic relations have been downgraded or broken. Embassies can continue operating under a chargé d’affaires, as Russia’s mission in London is now doing.
Former British defence attaché John Foreman said periods without an ambassador were not unprecedented. But he questioned whether the worsening relationship could eventually result in Moscow leaving the post vacant for longer.
The Russian embassy has rejected suggestions that Kelin’s departure means it intends to reduce diplomatic relations with Britain.
Britain is also maintaining its diplomatic presence in Moscow. The Foreign Office said the UK still has an ambassador and embassy in Russia, allowing British officials to communicate directly with the Russian government and raise concerns.
The dispute comes as the UK continues economic pressure on Moscow. Earlier this month, the Government announced another sanctions package aimed at Russian banks, ships and companies accused of supporting the Kremlin’s war effort.
New Daily Prime has also reported on Britain’s efforts to direct Russian-linked money towards Ukraine, including the Government’s move to seek the release of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club for Ukraine-related purposes.
