Russia has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, from London and has yet to nominate a successor, leaving the post vacant and raising concerns over a possible long-term downgrade in diplomatic relations.

Kelin, who had served as Russia’s ambassador for more than seven years, left his post on July 21. The Russian Embassy in London is currently being led by a chargé d’affaires.

The move comes as relations between Moscow and London have deteriorated to what the Russian Embassy described as an “unprecedentedly low level,” amid escalating tensions over Britain’s military and political support for Ukraine.

However, Moscow has denied that it intends to formally downgrade diplomatic relations with the UK. The absence of a replacement ambassador could nevertheless leave bilateral ties operating at a lower political level for an extended period.