LONDON. May 8 (Interfax) - The United Kingdom will expel Russia's defense attache, Western media said on Wednesday, citing UK Home Secretary James Cleverly.
"We will expel the Russian defense attache," Cleverly said in parliament.
The UK authorities will also remove diplomatic status from several Russian buildings in the UK, he said.
"We will remove diplomatic premises status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK," he said.
In addition, the UK authorities will impose visa restrictions on Russian diplomats, including caps on visa validity periods, he said.
According to Cleverly, these moves are part of the crackdown on Russian intelligence activities in the UK.
London is taking these measures in response to "malign activity" such as possible espionage and cyberattacks by Russia in Europe and the UK, Cleverly said.