UK diplomats stationed in Russia are subject to rigorous travel restrictions imposed by Moscow.

 Most British ambassadors must give five days' notice and travel information if they want to travel more than 120 km.

In the heart of Moscow, Russian police stroll through Red Square.

Because of rising hostilities between the two nations over backing for Ukraine, the Russian foreign ministry has put tight travel restrictions on British diplomats working there. 

The majority of British ambassadors will now need to give at least five days' notice and specific travel instructions if they want to travel more than 120 km. The action, which affects the mobility of foreign employees, is perceived as a diplomatic tactic reminiscent of the Soviet period. 

The announcement of the new policy was made by the Foreign Ministry, which said it was in reaction to "the hostile actions of London, including hindering the normal functioning of Russian overseas missions in the UK." Tom Dodd, the UK charge d'affaires, was called in to make the announcement. The ministry also complained about the UK's backing of "the terrorist

Only the British ambassador and three senior diplomats will be immune from the new limitations, which would apply to the majority of UK diplomatic workers. The diplomats will have to disclose comprehensive travel information, such as the reason for their trip, the intended route, lodgings, and contacts inside Russia. It is anticipated that the ensuing bureaucratic requirements would make diplomats' travel time-consuming and difficult.

The Russian foreign ministry claimed that the senior British diplomat had been "summoned," but a representative for the UK Foreign Office refuted this, saying that the meeting was arranged and held at the UK's request as per customary diplomatic procedure. The UK is accused of interfering with Russian diplomatic missions in Britain, but the Russian government is sure that the limitations are required.

The action shows a rise in hostilities between the two countries as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both nations have kept diplomatic missions active within one another's borders despite their disagreements on the ongoing war. But Russia's implementation of stringent travel restrictions is a blatant indication of their opposition to the UK's activities.

These limitations are anticipated to significantly complicate the workdays of diplomats stationed in Russia. Although the Vienna Convention requires accredited ambassadors to have "freedom of movement and travel in its territory," some authoritarian governments frequently find methods to erect covert obstacles to thwart diplomatic activity.

The UK Foreign Office may think about responding as a result of this new move, which is likely to further strain diplomatic ties. Both countries will have to carefully strike a balance between upholding diplomatic etiquette and pushing their interests as the crisis develops. Although it is yet unclear how these travel restrictions would affect bilateral ties, it is clear that tensions between Russia and the UK are rising.