The decision was made following the arrest of two former Italian intelligence agents, investigated for allegedly providing classified information to Russian officials about defense systems and military aid for Kiev
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The government of Georgia Meloni ordered the expulsion of two Russian diplomats accredited in Rome after accusing them of participating in espionage activities related to the shipment of Western weapons to Ukraine. The measure was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after Italian justice detained two former intelligence agents from the country, suspected of having leaked classified information to Russian officials for several years.
The expelled diplomats served as military attachés at the Russian Embassy and, according to Italian authorities, they allegedly maintained contacts with the former officials under investigation to obtain confidential documentation on defense systems, military plans, and the supply of weapons intended for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
The Meloni government stated that the detected activities represent a threat to national security and to the interests of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The investigation was carried out by the Rome Prosecutor's Office together with the Special Operational Group of the Carabinieri (ROS). According to investigators, the former Italian agents allegedly transmitted sensitive information for years in exchange for cash payments.
Among the documents allegedly leaked are data on the SAMP/T missile defense system, used by Italy and other allies to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, as well as information on military and intelligence structures.
The Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, described the case as part of a "hybrid warfare" strategy developed by Russia against Western countries.
As he explained, this type of operation seeks to obtain strategic information through intelligence activities, cyberattacks, and attempts to infiltrate state and military institutions. The Italian government assured that it will continue to strengthen counterintelligence mechanisms to prevent similar episodes in the future.
The Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto
For its part, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador in Rome to formally communicate the expulsion of the two diplomats, who must leave Italian territory in the coming days.
The episode occurs in a context of increasing tension between Russia and several European countries since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Italy is part of the coalition of states that provide military assistance to Kiev and, like other NATO members, has strengthened its security measures in recent years against possible espionage activities.
