Italy expels two Russian embassy staff over spying allegations

Italy has expelled two Russian military attaches from its embassy in Rome, accusing them of espionage activities. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the decision, stating the two officials must leave the country within three days. He condemned the actions as "serious and unacceptable interference" and part of Russia's "hybrid warfare" against the West.

The expulsions came two days after Italian police arrested two former intelligence agents. Media reports indicated that one of the arrested Italians, a 59-year-old former intelligence officer, allegedly provided Russia with secrets concerning military aid to Ukraine, including details on an Italian-French air defence system and missiles. Reports also suggested that Russian handlers sought information on a NATO mission in Bulgaria and an Italian company involved in drone and missile components. The former Italian spy's lawyer denied treason, claiming only publicly available information was shared.

Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described the case as "just the tip of the iceberg" of Russia's "hybrid war" in Europe. In a previous incident in 2024, an Italian court jailed a navy captain for selling classified documents to the Russian embassy. Russia's foreign ministry, quoted by state news agency RIA Novosti, stated that Moscow would respond with an "appropriate response."