Russia expelled an Italian military attaché and a collaborator of his, in retaliation for the expulsion of two Russian agents by Italy.

Ten days after Italy expelled two agents of the Russian intelligence services, accused of espionage activities, Russia decided to expel an Italian military attaché and one of his collaborators. The Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, stated that this action represents a blatant act of retaliation. Italy announced the expulsion of the Russian agents on July 9, denouncing serious interference in national security, shortly after the arrest of two former Italian spies.

According to the Italian press, one of the expelled agents was involved in gathering information about the SAMP/T air defense system intended for Ukraine and about the Aster missiles delivered to Kyiv. The Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, characterized the situation as a "hybrid conflict" generated by Moscow, emphasizing the seriousness of these actions. Russia did not immediately comment on the expulsion of the Italian military attaché.