Russia expels two Italian diplomats in 'reciprocal measure' to Italy's expulsion of embassy staff

Russia declared two Italian diplomats persona non grata on Monday, labeling it a reciprocal response to Italy's expulsion of two Russian embassy staff. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated it summoned Italy's interim Charge d'Affaires Giovanni Scopa in connection with the earlier expulsion.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had announced on July 9 that Rome expelled two military attachés from the Russian Embassy in Italy. Tajani alleged they were involved in espionage activities. He further stated on X that the two Russian officials must leave Russia with their families within three days.

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The Russian Federation has expelled, without reason, the Italian military attache in Moscow along with one of his collaborators. This is an act of blatant retaliation for the expulsion from Italy of two Russian military attachés, who were indeed caught red-handed while carrying out espionage activities to the detriment of our national security.

Tajani described Russia's actions as "blatant retaliation" for the expulsion of two Russian military attachés from Italy, asserting they were "caught red-handed while carrying out espionage activities to the detriment of our national security." He also accused Moscow of employing "hybrid tools" against Italy and the West, deeming it "serious and unacceptable interference" that threatens national security.

Two weeks prior, Italy's government decided to expel the two Russian Embassy military attachés following the arrest of two individuals on charges of passing classified information to a Russian agent. Prosecutors identified the main suspect as a former officer of Italy's Carabinieri police force, with five others also under investigation.

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Moscow continued to employ "hybrid tools" against Italy and the West, describing this as "serious and unacceptable interference" that threatens national security.