Russia has once again demonstrated its policy of responding with reciprocal diplomatic measures by declaring two Italian diplomats persona non grata, in retaliation for Italy’s expulsion of two Russian embassy officials suspected of espionage.
On July 9, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that Rome had expelled two military attachés from the Russian Embassy after they were suspected of engaging in espionage activities.
In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Vittorio Parella, Assistant Military Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Moscow, and Davide D’Aprile, Military Attaché, had been declared persona non grata and, together with their families, were ordered to leave Russia within three days.
Russian authorities also said they had summoned Giovanni Scopa, Italy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Moscow, to formally communicate the decision.
Reacting to the move, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Moscow’s decision as an act of retaliation.
“The Russian Federation has, without any justification, expelled the Italian military attaché in Moscow and one of his assistants. This is a clear act of retaliation for Italy’s expulsion of two Russian military attachés, who were caught red-handed carrying out espionage activities against our national security,” Tajani wrote on X.
