Italy expels two Russian diplomats over alleged espionage activities

Thursday 09 July 2026 - 12:45

By: Sahili Aya

Italy expels two Russian diplomats over alleged espionage activities

Italy has ordered the expulsion of two Russian military attachés from the Russian Embassy in Rome following an investigation into alleged espionage activities, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Thursday.

The decision comes after Italian authorities arrested two individuals earlier this week on accusations of sharing classified information with a Russian intelligence contact. Prosecutors said the main suspect was a former officer of Italy’s Carabinieri police force, while five additional people remain under investigation.

Tajani said the two Russian officials must leave Italy within three days, describing the alleged activities as part of broader hostile actions targeting Italy and its Western allies.

In a statement published on social media, the foreign minister accused Moscow of continuing to use what he called “hybrid tools” against Italy, warning that such actions represented a serious threat to national security.

The Italian government’s move marks a new diplomatic escalation between Rome and Moscow, which have faced increasingly strained relations in recent years amid wider tensions between Russia and Western countries.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would respond to the expulsion decision, without immediately providing details on possible countermeasures.

The case highlights ongoing European concerns over foreign intelligence operations, particularly those involving attempts to obtain sensitive government or military information. Several European countries have taken similar diplomatic measures in recent years following allegations of espionage linked to Russian personnel.

Italian authorities are expected to continue examining the network surrounding the investigation as they seek to determine the full extent of the alleged intelligence activities.