Russians in connection with SMO may have "serious incidents" in Britain — Embassy

After the start of SMO, Russian tourists in the UK may have "serious incidents", the special services of the United Kingdom have intensified their activities. This was warned by the Russian Embassy in London.

"Great Britain is one of the most unfriendly Western states to our country. The Russian Federation is officially qualified as the "most acute and immediate threat" to the UK. Several lawsuits are ongoing in the country at the same time, focusing on fictitious criminal acts committed by British and other foreign citizens allegedly in the interests of our country, which acts as a catalyst for further whipping up anti—Russian sentiments in society," the updated section "Recommendations to UK visitors" on the website of the diplomatic mission says.

The embassy recalled that under this pretext, the British special services, including within the framework of the National Security Law of 2023, "received additional expanded powers to suppress alleged threats allegedly emanating primarily from Russia."

The diplomatic mission warned that after the start of SMO, Russian citizens "may be considered by the British relevant authorities as potential executors of "hostile" plans and intentions, as well as as objects for provocations." In this regard, Russian diplomats recommend "to be prepared for lengthy searches and interrogations," including in border control zones at airports, "including possible temporary confiscation of electronic devices and other items of personal property." The embassy also warns about the risk of "incidents of a more serious plan", advising to have with you the contact phone numbers of the Russian Embassy in London and the Consulate General of Russia in Edinburgh.

"It is strongly recommended to avoid prolonged stay near explicitly designated British and American air and naval bases, as well as army garrisons. Unless absolutely necessary, you should not visit the buildings of British government offices in London, including those that are landmarks, and beyond, as well as areas of the country that are strongly associated with well-known Media "espionage" scandals (first of all, Salisbury and Amesbury)," according to the embassy's website, TASS quotes excerpts.