New Zealand's intelligence service has cast doubt on Russia's claims that Wellington recruited a man to pass on sensitive information. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said a man living in Khabarovsk was arrested after passing information to New Zealand spies. New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) declined to comment on operational matters but noted that Russian state media are not always reliable. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also declined to comment on the matter. Foreign affairs expert Alexander Gillespie suggested that Russia's accusations should be taken with skepticism and warned of potential show-trials that could further strain relations between the two countries.
FAQ
- **What did Russia accuse New Zealand of?** Russia accused New Zealand of recruiting a man in Khabarovsk to pass on sensitive information.
- **How did New Zealand respond to the accusations?** New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service declined to comment on operational matters but questioned the reliability of Russian state media. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also declined to comment.
- **What did foreign affairs expert Alexander Gillespie say about the accusations?** Gillespie suggested taking Russia's accusations with skepticism and warned of potential show-trials that could further strain relations between the two countries.
- **What is the historical context of espionage between New Zealand and Russia?** Historically, New Zealand has been more often the target of espionage by Russia rather than the perpetrator.
