Key facts
- Italy has expelled two Russian military attaches from its embassy in Rome.
- The expulsion follows the arrest of an Italian Navy captain on spying charges.
- The captain allegedly passed classified documents to a Russian agent in exchange for money.
- Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the incident as "serious and unacceptable interference."
- Russia's foreign ministry indicated it would retaliate.
Italy has expelled two Russian military attaches from its embassy in Rome, citing their alleged involvement in espionage activities. The decision by the Italian government follows the arrest earlier this week of an Italian Navy captain, identified as Walter Biot, on charges of passing classified information to a Russian agent in exchange for money.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the expulsion on social media platform X, stating that the two Russian officials must leave Rome within three days. He characterized the incident as "serious and unacceptable interference" and a use of "hybrid tools" against Italy and the West, which he said threatens national security.
Prosecutors indicated that the main suspect, Biot, is a former officer of Italy's Carabinieri police force, and that five other individuals are also under investigation. The documents reportedly related to military telecommunications, raising concerns for Italy's NATO partners. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it would respond to Italy's move.