Russia expelled two diplomats, including the Italian defense attaché stationed in the country. It is seen as a tit-for-tat move after Italy expelled two Russian military attachés on suspicion of spying.
On the 20th (local time), Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on social media (SNS) that "Russia expelled the Italian defense attaché in Moscow and the attaché's aide without any reason."
Minister Tajani criticized the move as "a clear act of retaliation for Italy's expulsion of two military attachés from the Russian Embassy who were caught conducting espionage activities."
Earlier, on the 8th, Rome prosecutors arrested two people, including a former Italian intelligence agency officer, on suspicion of leaking classified information to Russia. They are accused of handing over defense industry-related information obtained from six people, including active-duty Italian soldiers, to Russian diplomats in exchange for payment.
The Italian government expelled two military attachés from the Russian Embassy in connection with the case, and Russia's latest move is interpreted as retaliatory.