Why does Russia go for Britain's cultural jugular?

The UK and Russia have not been the best of diplomatic buddies of late - that's for sure. Today's announcement however that the British Council's licence would be revoked in Russia's regions (i.e outside Moscow) as of January 2008 is both puzzling and, upon reflection, chilling...

In an interview with the BBC, Russia's Foreign Minsiter Sergei Lavrov said that following the explusion of four Russian diplomats from London earlier this year - some form of retaliation from Moscow was to be expected. But why not just send some British diplomats back to London then? Why instead have a go at the UK's leading cultural and English language institution - the British Council? What has British cultural and linguistic heritage ever done to the Russians that would warrant such a move? Are we really to believe claims that a violation of tax regulations is behind this move? Mr Lavrov has himself revealed that the diplomatic dispute is the underlying cause.

Could it possibly be that the Kremlin would not be satisfied with merely ruffling feathers in Whitehall and Westminster, but is rather seeking to send a potent and chilling message that Britain, its culture and what it stands for are less and less welcome in today's Russia?

I only hope this turns out to be a manifestation of my overactive imagination...