Italy has ordered two Russian military attachés to leave the country within three days amid allegations of espionage targeting Italian national security. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani identified the diplomats as Ivan Petrovich Gorbachev and Mikhail Vasilyevich Astakhov, accusing Moscow of conducting “hybrid” attacks against Italy and Western institutions.
The expulsions follow the arrest of two retired Italian intelligence officials suspected of spying for Russia. According to Italian prosecutors and police, Astakhov served as the primary contact for the retired officers, including Govino Raoul Piras, a former senior officer of the Carabinieri with prior intelligence experience. Authorities say Piras was involved in passing classified information to Moscow, with evidence suggesting he obtained sensitive material from a network of six sources, four of whom were active-duty military personnel in highly confidential positions.
Italian prosecutors stated they had gathered “serious evidence of guilt” against Piras, who had been monitored since May 2025. The ongoing investigation also includes five other individuals who remain under scrutiny. A lawyer representing Piras has denied any misconduct, asserting that the information shared with foreign diplomats was not classified.
The case has heightened concerns about Russian influence operations in Italy, particularly as the country approaches general elections next year. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described the espionage case as “the tip of a gigantic iceberg” in Moscow’s broader campaign of hybrid warfare aimed at undermining Italian institutions, alliances, and security.
This development occurs against a complex political backdrop. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her strong support of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, is confronting challenges to her potential re-election. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the populist Five Star Movement led by Giuseppe Conte, have formed an alliance to contest Meloni’s coalition. Meanwhile, Meloni faces right-wing competition from Roberto Vannacci, a former military attaché to Moscow whose Futuro Nazionale party is gaining traction.
However, some political figures have questioned the government's characterization of the threat. Conte accused officials of exaggerating the risk posed by Russia, suggesting the narrative is being used to justify increased militarization and readiness for conflict.
Italian intelligence agencies have previously warned lawmakers about an uptick in hostile actions from Moscow, including espionage, cyberattacks by pro-Russian groups, and disinformation campaigns targeting European nations. The recent arrests and diplomatic expulsions further underscore growing tensions over security and foreign interference in Italy’s political and military spheres.