British diplomats 'outed' as spies
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The UK was accused of Cold War-style spying on Russia last night with four British diplomats "outed" as spies on Russian television.
The diplomats' names and biographies were broadcast by the Rossia channel, in a programme called Special Correspondent.
It was not clear if they had been expelled from the country. The British embassy declined to comment.
A Russian national who was apparently recruited to spy for Britain was also reported to have been arrested and to have made a full confession.
The chief allegation was that British diplomat-cum-spies were covertly financing human rights organisations which the Kremlin had long suspected of working against Russia's interests.
Russia's FSB security service was quoted as saying it had "caught" the diplomats engaged in espionage work on film after keeping them under surveillance for months. The operation took place late last year.
The situation is likely to damage Britain's relations with Russia.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments