Austria Declares Three Russian Diplomats Persona Non Grata

• 4.05.2026, 12:25

They are suspected of espionage.

Austria expelled three Russian diplomats because of possible intelligence activities, increasing pressure on Moscow. This was reported by Reuters, citing a statement by the country's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

The diplomats were declared persona non grata because of a "forest of antennas" on the roofs of diplomatic buildings that could be used for espionage.

"It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity can be used for espionage," Austria's foreign minister said.

She confirmed that three diplomats had already left the country.