Italy Expels Two Russian Embassy Officials Over Alleged Spying

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani

ROME, Jul 9: Italy has expelled two Russian embassy officials over alleged espionage activities uncovered during a counterintelligence investigation, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Thursday.

In a statement posted on X, Tajani said the Italian government had ordered the expulsion of two military attachés serving at the Russian Embassy, accusing them of involvement in spying activities identified by investigators.

The Foreign Ministry formally notified Russia's ambassador in Rome of the decision and gave the two officials three days to leave the country.

The expulsions follow a counterintelligence investigation launched by the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office in May 2025. The probe led to the arrest of two former Italian intelligence officials suspected of passing classified and sensitive information to Russian officers in exchange for money.

According to Italian newspaper La Stampa, investigators believe the suspects leaked details on Italy's, the European Union's and NATO's rearmament plans, the locations of drone production facilities, and information related to military assistance for Ukraine.

Russia signaled it would retaliate, with the Russian Foreign Ministry telling state news agency TASS that Moscow "will give an appropriate response."