Italy Expels Two Russian Military Attaches Accused of Espionage

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ROME:  Italy has ordered the immediate expulsion of two Russian military attaches following an espionage investigation that uncovered unacceptable acts of foreign interference in national security.

 Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced Thursday that the diplomats, Ivan Petrovich Gorbachev and Mikhail Vasilyevich Astakhov, have been given exactly three days to leave the country.

This major diplomatic action comes exactly two days after Rome police announced the arrest of two former Italian intelligence agents accused of leaking highly classified secrets directly to Moscow. 

Media reports indicate that the suspects handed over sensitive data concerning European military aid to Ukraine, specifically detailing Aster missiles and an Italian and French SAMP/T air defense system slated for delivery this year.

Local investigators reveal that a former intelligence officer utilized six distinct sources, including four active military personnel, to harvest confidential data. Over twelve years, the suspect allegedly passed thousands of strategic items to his Russian handler, including details on a NATO mission in Bulgaria, missile motor manufacturer Avio, and the protective identities of Italian counter-espionage agents.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto warned that this sweeping case represents just the tip of the iceberg regarding Russia's ongoing hybrid warfare in Europe. While the suspect's defense lawyer completely denies any treason, the Russian foreign ministry has explicitly vowed to deliver an appropriate retaliatory response against Rome soon.