UK names Nigel Casey as new ambassador to Russia

Career diplomat takes over role at a time of heightened tension between London and Moscow

Nigel Casey, centre, is a career diplomat who joined the UK Foreign Office in 1991. Photo: UK Government

Nigel Casey has been appointed the new ambassador to Russia, the UK Foreign Office said on Wednesday, amid rising tension between Moscow and London over the invasion of Ukraine.

Deborah Bronnert has held the post since 2020 and Mr Casey will take up the role in November.

Mr Casey, 54, is a career diplomat who joined the Foreign Office in 1991 and most recently served as the Prime Minister's special representative for Afghanistan.

He has also served as Britain's high commissioner in South Africa and as ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Between 2003 and 2006, Mr Casey was posted in Moscow.

Moscow last month announced travel restrictions for British diplomats working in Russia, in the latest sign of souring ties.

The diplomats, with few exceptions, will need to notify authorities in advance about their movements around the country, outlining their planned itineraries in detail.

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Moscow said the measures were in response to the “hostile actions” of London, such as “hindering the normal operation of Russian foreign missions in the UK”.

Britain has been a key ally of Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded the pro-western country in February last year.

London has supplied Kyiv with long-range weapons and battle tanks, and slapped sanctions on Russian people and entities.