Russia`s Federal Security Service (FSB) has alleged that British intelligence has been using the British Council as a front to destabilize Russia and influence academic institutions.
The claims come as tensions between Russia and the West remain high due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Amid recent signals of a tentative diplomatic thaw with Washington, Russian authorities have identified the United Kingdom as their principal adversary.
According to the FSB, members of academic staff from prominent universities in four Russian regions were found to have cooperated with the British Council, a London-based organization that promotes cultural relations and educational exchange.
These individuals were reportedly involved in activities deemed detrimental to Russian national security.
The FSB further claimed that the British Council was used by UK intelligence services in efforts to erode Russian identity and cultivate a global network of influence.
A total of 15 Russian nationals have been officially cautioned regarding their cooperation with the organization.
Russian authorities are urging allied countries to ban the British Council and are advising Russian citizens to avoid any contact with it.
The organization, which ceased operations in Russia in 2018 following official directives, has not issued an immediate response to the recent accusations.
Founded in 1934 as the British Committee for Relations with Other Countries, the British Council was established to project British cultural and educational influence abroad during a time of rising global ideological tensions.
