«Back home»: Expulsion of an Italian diplomat from Russia

Kremlin relations

The expulsion of the Italian diplomat was Russia’s response to “unfriendly actions” and the expulsion of two Russian diplomats from Italy over suspected espionage. Italy called Russia’s actions unjustified and biased.

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Earlier, on March 30, employees of the Italian forces detained an officer of the Italian Navy and an employee of the office of the military attache of the Russian Embassy in Rome, Walter Biote.

La Stempa wrote that the officer wanted to sell classified documents, which he had previously obtained access to, for money. Biote found about 5,000 euros.

In addition, he was also found to have NATO materials, which posed a threat to the members of the alliance and his country.

Together with Biote, Italy sent away the Russian military, who was represented in front of the embassy.

The expulsion itself took place on March 31.

The Russian Foreign Ministry considered this decision “not appropriate to the level of bilateral relations.”

The Italian Foreign minister responded to Russia’s actions as follows: 

“This is unacceptable, and there will be consequences. It is unacceptable that our official is paid in exchange for information about NATO.”

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However, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it had already launched an investigation into the Russian military.