Moscow – Russia has expelled two Italian diplomats in a reciprocal move after Italy ordered the removal of two Russian embassy officials over alleged espionage activities.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it had declared Vittorio Parrella, assistant defense attaché at the Italian Embassy, and Davide D’Aprile, an attaché, persona non grata. The two diplomats, along with their families, have been instructed to leave Russia within three days.
According to the ministry, the expulsions were carried out “on the basis of reciprocity” following Italy’s decision earlier this month to expel two Russian military attachés.
On July 9, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Rome had expelled the Russian diplomats after they were allegedly involved in espionage activities.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed that it had summoned Giovanni Scopa, Italy’s interim Chargé d’Affaires in Moscow, to formally notify him of the decision.
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Responding to Russia’s action, Tajani criticized the expulsions in a post on X, stating that Italy’s earlier move was based on alleged spying activities, while Moscow’s retaliation was “without cause.”
The latest diplomatic dispute adds to the ongoing strain in relations between Russia and Western nations, with reciprocal expulsions of diplomats becoming increasingly common amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
