Italy expels two Russian diplomats for alleged espionage

Italy has expelled two Russian diplomats in connection with an espionage investigation involving former Italian intelligence officers accused of passing classified information to Moscow.

Explaining the expulsions on Thursday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani accused Moscow of targeting Italy and the West with "hybrid" methods, describing the alleged espionage as "a serious and unacceptable interference with Italy's institutions and national security."

Following the decision by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, the two Russian military attachés must leave the country within three days.

Earlier this week, two former Italian intelligence officers were detained on suspicion of supplying Russia with classified information in exchange for money. Both aged 59, they are believed to have spied for Russia for at least last year.

Four serving members of the Italian military are also under investigation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry immediately announced a "corresponding response." Moscow generally responds to diplomatic expulsions with tit-for-tat expulsions.

Italy has been one of Ukraine's strongest European supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Meloni made clear at the NATO summit this week in Ankara that this would not change.