Italy expelled two Russian military attachés, accusing them of espionage

Italy announced on Thursday the expulsion of two agents of the Russian intelligence services, Ivan Petrovici Gorbaciov and Mihail Vasilievici Astakhov, who were on Italian territory under diplomatic cover.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, stated that this decision was made following the discovery of espionage activities, considering Moscow's interference to be serious and unacceptable. The two agents must leave Rome within three days. The announcement comes after the arrest of two former Italian agents, accused of providing sensitive information to Russia, including details about military aid to Ukraine.

Tajani emphasized that Russia continues to use hybrid methods to attack the West. The spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, Maria Zaharova, announced that Moscow will respond to this expulsion.