Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrei Kelin, as tensions between Moscow and London deepen over British military support for Ukraine. Kelin left Britain last month after seven years in the post, and Moscow has not nominated a successor. His name has also been removed from the Russian embassy’s diplomatic list, which now identifies Vasily A. Siganov as chargé d’affaires.

The Russian embassy said Kelin had sought to keep communication channels with Britain open, but claimed the British government had chosen a path of confrontation with Russia. It said he hoped constructive, mutually respectful dialogue could be restored if Britain reconsidered its policy toward Russia. Moscow’s rhetoric hardened after indications that Ukrainian forces used two drones made by British companies for attacks inside Russia.

Britain’s Foreign Office described the ambassador’s withdrawal as an internal Russian decision. It said Britain still has an ambassador and embassy in Russia and continues to raise concerns with the Russian government. London also said it would stand firmly with Ukraine and supported its right to self-defence against what it called Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression. Analysts said the vacancy could further lower diplomatic ties.