Austria has expelled three diplomats from the Russian Embassy over concerns that satellite installations on diplomatic buildings could be used for espionage.
"It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage," Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, said in a statement on Monday. She confirmed that the three diplomats had already left the country.
Numerous satellite dishes have been placed on buildings used by the Russian state in the capital, Vienna, particularly at a residential complex for diplomatic staff. Austria's domestic intelligence services have for years warned they could be used to intercept satellite communications from other states.
"Espionage is a security problem for Austria. In this government, we have initiated a change of course and are taking consistent action against it," Meinl-Reisinger added.
Russia described the expulsions as "justified by nothing" and said it would respond harshly.
Vienna’s large diplomatic presence has long provided opportunities for intelligence agents to operate under diplomatic cover, benefiting from immunity.
The expulsions bring to 14 the number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020.
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Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to use next week's NATO summit in Ankara to advance his push for greater European responsibility in security, with a bilateral meeting planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Paris seeks closer coordination with key allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence, saying Russia and the United States share a special responsibility for maintaining global security as the world's two largest nuclear powers.
China said on Saturday it had launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of illegally expanding its authority and undermining regional stability.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 4 July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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