National

Italy expels two Russian diplomats following espionage investigation

Jul 10, 2026

Rome [Italy] /Moscow [Russia], July 10: 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 attaches must leave the country within three days. The Russian Foreign Ministry immediately announced a "corresponding response." Moscow generally responds to diplomatic expulsions with tit-for-tat expulsions. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune