NINE British diplomats in Moscow have been given their marching orders by the Russians in a spy ring saga that seems straight out of those Cold War days.

A Russian passing defence information to an MI6 spy ring for cash has apparently been caught red-handed by Moscow's successors to the KGB. Nothing, it seems, really changes in the realms of international intrigue.

However, the old Soviet empire is in a state of turmoil and various factions, including communists and fascists, are bidding for power. And with the possibility of still awesome nuclear weaponry falling into unstable hands, it's not surprising that spying is still making the headlines,

The espionage claims and denials will probably be echoing down the corridors of power for some time. But with Russia so volatile at present, it's vital to know how the Kremlin power games are being played out. And that's why Western spy chiefs will doubtless still be activating their 007s...

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