Russia on Monday declared two Italian diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within three days in what Moscow described as a reciprocal response to Italy’s recent expulsion of two Russian embassy officials over alleged espionage.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said Vittorio Parrella, assistant defence attaché at the Italian embassy in Moscow, and Davide D’Aprile, an attaché, had been declared unwelcome and must leave Russia with their families.
Moscow Summons Italian Diplomat
The ministry also summoned Italy’s interim Chargé d’Affaires, Giovanni Scopa, to formally protest Rome’s decision to expel two Russian embassy staff earlier this month.
Moscow said the move was a direct retaliatory measure following Italy’s actions.
Italy Defends Expulsions
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced on July 9 that Italy had expelled two Russian military attachés stationed at the Russian embassy in Rome, accusing them of engaging in espionage activities that threatened Italy’s national security.
Responding to Russia’s decision, Tajani criticised Moscow’s action on X.
“The Russian Federation has expelled, without reason, the Italian military attaché in Moscow along with one of his collaborators,” he wrote.
He added that Russia’s move was “an act of blatant retaliation” for Italy’s expulsion of two Russian military officials who, according to Rome, had been “caught red-handed” carrying out espionage activities against Italy.
Diplomatic Tensions Continue
The reciprocal expulsions mark the latest deterioration in relations between Russia and Italy, as diplomatic tensions between Moscow and several European countries continue amid broader security disputes and allegations of intelligence operations across Europe.
(with inputs from Reuters)
