UK appoints new ambassador to Russia since the start of the war

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
2 Aug 2023 20:02

The UK Foreign Office appoints Nigel Casey as the new ambassador to Russia amid escalating tensions between Moscow and London.

The British Union flag in London, Sunday, May 24, 2020 (AP)

Amid escalating tensions between Moscow and London since the war in Ukraine, the UK Foreign Office announced today the appointment of Nigel Casey as the new ambassador to Russia.

Casey, a career diplomat, is set to succeed Deborah Bronnert, who has held the position since 2020, and will assume his role in November.

Nigel has long experience working as a British diplomat. He joined the Foreign Office in 1991. Recently, he served as the Prime Minister's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Throughout his career, Casey has held significant positions, including serving as Britain's High Commissioner in South Africa and as Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notably, between 2003 and 2006, he was stationed in Moscow, gaining insights into the complexities of Russian politics.

The appointment comes at a critical time in Russo-British relations, with tensions reaching new heights following the war in Ukraine. Last month, Moscow imposed travel restrictions on British diplomats working in Russia.

The measures were purportedly in response to what Russia perceives as "hostile actions" by London, including hindering the normal operation of Russian foreign missions in the UK.

The strained relationship has been primarily led by the robust support of London to Kiev ever since the war. British support to Ukraine has included both military and diplomatic, such as long-range weapons and battle tanks, as well as sanctioning Russian entities and individuals.

Two weeks ago, a report by The Times said the British government is continuing to allow several UK-based companies to export mining and fossil-fuel extraction equipment to Russia in such a way that the firms in question are circumventing sanctions.

One instance of these firms is the company Hill & Smith. In 2022, the company's financial report made no direct mention of customers or suppliers in Russia.

However, export data showed that one of its subsidiaries, Bergen Pipe Supports (India) Private Limited, continues to supply Russia's Arctic LNG 2 LLC with construction support for fixing gas pipelines.