Russia's Ambassador to Britain Andrei Kelin Concludes His Posting

Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that Ambassador Andrei Kelin has ended his posting to Britain, moving to calm speculation that Moscow was scaling back its diplomatic presence in London amid tensions linked to support for Ukraine.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told a weekly press briefing that Kelin had completed his planned term as ambassador. She said President Vladimir Putin would name a successor "in due course," adding that the process was following established procedures at its own pace.

Zakharova cautioned against reading political motives into Kelin's departure, though she acknowledged his tenure fell during an especially difficult period in relations between the two countries. She credited him with working to defend Russian interests and keep communication channels open, despite what she described as British efforts to dismantle the bilateral relationship entirely.

Seven years covering historic events

Kelin held the post from November 2019 to July 2026, a period that encompassed the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and a British ban on Russian diplomats entering parliament.

Until a new ambassador is appointed, Russia's chargé d'affaires will lead the diplomatic mission in London. Kelin's exit after more than seven years fueled media speculation, denied by the embassy, that Moscow was downgrading its diplomatic ties with Britain.

Britain remains one of Ukraine's key allies, supplying weapons including missiles and drones. Last month, Russia warned Britain of unspecified "consequences" over drone supplies used by Ukraine in attacks on Russian territory.