Russia Expels Italian Military Attaché Without Explanation

Russia has expelled Italy's military attaché and one of his assistants, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on Monday. Tajani emphasized that the move was without justification and was retaliation for Italy's earlier expulsion of two Russian military attachés on suspicion of espionage. Moscow has not officially commented on the action.

The expulsion follows the arrest of two former Italian intelligence agents by Italian police in early July. According to media reports, they had passed classified information to Russia regarding Italian military aid to Ukraine. Shortly after, Italy decided to expel two Russian diplomats suspected of espionage. Tajani stated at the time that Moscow continues to wage hybrid war against the West and Italy, calling such interference serious and unacceptable for national security.

One of the detained individuals, a 59-year-old former intelligence agent, allegedly contacted a Russian intelligence officer who had diplomatic immunity in Italy. The suspect leaked information from six sources, including four active-duty military personnel in highly confidential positions. The Italians passed data to the Russian agent about an Italian-French air defense system and missiles intended for Ukraine. Russian agents also attempted to obtain information about a NATO mission in Bulgaria and the Italian company Avio, which produces engines for drones and supersonic missiles.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the case as "just the tip of the iceberg" of Russia's hybrid war in Europe.