Putin's desire to strike Britain is 'very clear', officials warn as Russian ambassador is recalled from London

Security officials are warning that Britain must not be complacent about the Russian threat, noting that Putin has already demonstrated a readiness to carry out operations on UK soil. The recall of Russia's ambassador from London is being viewed as a serious escalation, with the CIA director having travelled to Moscow this week on an unannounced visit to caution Russia against any move against Nato. Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood warns Putin is expected to retaliate after Ukraine struck Russian oil depots with UK-built drones. Officials say a 'substantial number' of Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover remain active at the Kensington site.

Russia's London embassy has a bloody history — from the Cambridge Five betrayals to the Litvinenko polonium murder and the Salisbury poisonings.

Ellwood warns America can no longer be relied upon, leaving Britain dangerously exposed at a moment of maximum Russian threat.

Recalling an ambassador is historically a Kremlin signal that 'Putin is up to something', officials say — and it will be 'dirty and deniable'.