Russia expels two Italian diplomats in a tit-for-tat move after Italy expels Russian diplomatic staff in connection with alleged spying. Russian authorities say the action is a “reciprocal measure,” with the Russian Foreign Ministry announcing the expulsions of two Italian diplomats—described by some reports as military attachés or representatives tied to the embassy in Moscow. The ministry also says it summons Italy’s interim Charge d’Affaires, Giovanni Scopa, regarding the expulsion of Russian embassy staff.
Italian officials state the earlier expulsions from Rome involved two Moscow representatives accused of spying on the Italian government. Italy’s decision to remove two Russian diplomats was announced in early July, with the Italian Foreign Ministry not publicly disclosing the reasons for that step.
Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, characterizes Russia’s response as retaliation and says Moscow acted “without any grounds.” Across the reports, all link the expulsions to the earlier diplomatic actions involving alleged espionage and present the new move as part of a reciprocal escalation between the two countries.
