Austria is expelling four Russian diplomats from the country. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed reports in the Austrian press.
The Austrian Foreign Ministry stated that, based on information from the security services, it had decided to declare four Russian diplomats persona non grata. They were accused of activities incompatible with their diplomatic status.
According to the ministry, three of the diplomats were working at the Russian embassy in Vienna, whilst another was based at the mission to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Austrian Foreign Ministry did not disclose the diplomats’ names.
Russian state media quoted a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying that Moscow would respond to Austria’s decision.
In 2024, the media reported that, following significant staff cuts at Russian embassies in many European Union countries, the embassy in Vienna had become one of Russia’s most important centres in Europe. This is due to the fact that several international organisations are based in Austria.
Representatives of Western intelligence services have expressed concerns that Russian spies may be operating in Austria under diplomatic cover.
In May this year, Austria expelled three Russian diplomats. According to Reuters, the country has expelled a total of 18 Russian diplomats since 2020. Austria maintains neutrality; however, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, its government has provided political support to Ukraine.