MOSCOW, Russia: Russia's principal security agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB), has accused British intelligence of using the British Council as a front to work against Russia.

This week, the FSB said it had found teachers at top universities in four Russian regions who had worked with the British Council, a UK-based cultural and educational organization.

Russia's war in Ukraine is still ongoing more than three years after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into the country. Even though there have been some signs of improving ties between Moscow and Washington, Russian officials now view Britain as their "number one enemy."

The British Council, which promotes cultural exchange and education, was told in 2018 to stop all work in Russia. In response to the latest accusations, the Council said it was disappointed by Russia's "ban on all collaboration" and strongly denied any involvement in spying. British intelligence has not responded to the claims.

The FSB, which replaced the old Soviet KGB and remains an influential organization in Russia, said the British Council was helping British spies try to weaken Russian identity and build a worldwide network of influence.

The FSB said: "We found teachers from top Russian universities who worked with the British side in ways that harmed Russia's security."

Fifteen Russian citizens have been officially warned for cooperating with the British Council, according to the FSB. The agency urged Russia's allies to ban the British Council and warned the public to avoid contact with it.

The British Council replied: "On 5 June, the Russian Government announced a ban on all collaboration with the British Council. We are disappointed by this development. While political situations can change, we believe it's important to keep communication going between people and institutions around the world."

Founded in 1934 and originally known as the British Committee for Relations with Other Countries, the British Council was created to spread Britain's influence through culture, especially during the rise of fascism and communism.

In response to the FSB's claim that the Council is part of a spying operation, the British Council said: "These allegations are false. We work to support peace and prosperity between the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education, and English language teaching."

Meanwhile, Russian opposition groups, most of whom now live abroad, continue to accuse President Putin of becoming more authoritarian as Russia's conflict with the West over Ukraine drags on.