Embassy of Russia, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Embassy of Russia in London |
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| Location | Kensington, London |
| Address | 6/7 Kensington Palace Gardens, London, W8 4QP |
| Coordinates | 51°30′28.1″N 0°11′27.4″W / 51.507806°N 0.190944°W |
The Embassy of Russia in London is like Russia's official home and office in the United Kingdom. It's where diplomats from Russia work to keep good relationships with the UK government. The main buildings are found at 5 and 6-7 Kensington Palace Gardens. The Russian Ambassador, who is Russia's top representative, lives in a separate building nearby at 13 Kensington Palace Gardens. Russia also has other offices in London, like one for military matters and another for trade.
Contents
History of the Russian Embassy
Early Locations and Changes
The Russian Embassy has moved around London over the years. A long time ago, when Russia was known as the Russian Empire, its embassy was in a place called Chesham Place. When the Soviet Union was formed, this same building was used as their embassy from 1924 to 1927.
For a short time, from 1927 to 1929, Russia and the UK didn't have official diplomatic relations. This meant their embassies weren't fully active. When relations started again, the Soviet government moved its embassy to the buildings you see today on Kensington Palace Gardens.
After the Soviet Union
After the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, the country became known as the Russian Federation. The new Russian Federation took over the embassy buildings and other properties in the UK.
Protests at the Embassy
People sometimes gather outside the embassy to share their opinions or protest about different issues. The embassy has seen many protests over the years:
- In 2008, groups protested against Russia's actions during a conflict in Georgia.
- In 2011, people like Peter Tatchell protested for gay rights in Russia.
- In 2012, there were protests against the jailing of a punk band called Pussy Riot.
- Also in 2012, people who disagreed with the government in Syria protested because Russia supported that government.
- In 2013, a large protest, which included actor Jude Law, happened after some Greenpeace activists were arrested.
- On April 12, 2017, hundreds of people protested against reports of prison camps for gay men in Chechnya.
Gallery
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The embassy building as seen from Bayswater Road.
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A plaque outside the embassy, showing the Coat of arms of Russia.
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The Ambassador's Residence at 13 Kensington Palace Gardens.
See also
- List of ambassadors of Russia to the United Kingdom
