politics
Austria Expels Three Russian Diplomats Over Suspected Embassy Antenna
Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats suspected of espionage after discovering a 'forest of antennae' on diplomatic buildings in Vienna used for data interception. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated the action addresses a security issue, bringing total expulsions since 2020 to 14. Russia condemned the move as unjustified and promised a harsh response.
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Austria expelled three Russian diplomats on suspicion of spying, following the discovery of a forest of antennae installed on the roof of the Russian embassy in Vienna and at a Russian diplomatic compound. The three individuals, identified as embassy staff, had already left the country by the time the announcement was made on Monday.
The antennae, described as an antenna forest, have been under scrutiny by Austrian intelligence services for years, allowing Russia to intercept data sent via satellite internet by organizations, including international ones.
The Directorate for State Security and Intelligence, led by Sylvia Mayer, monitored the rooftop equipment for an extended period. Meinl-Reisinger added: 'Espionage is a security issue for Austria. Austria declared the three Russian diplomats personae non gratae, with the expulsions occurring after the antennae discovery.
The three expelled individuals were Russian diplomats who had already departed Austrian territory. These actions bring the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria to 14 since 2020, including removals since the start of the war in Ukraine. The Russian embassy in Vienna did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The Russian news agency RIA reported that the embassy warned the Kremlin would respond severely to Austria's decision. Vienna hosts the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and various United Nations bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency. Major powers such as Russia and the United States maintain separate ambassadors to Austria, the OSCE, and UN organisations.
Around 220 people are accredited to Russian diplomatic missions in Austria, according to the Austrian government's Report on the Protection of the Constitution. The expulsions mark the latest in a series of espionage-related incidents in Austria. Egisto Ott went on trial in Vienna in January 2026, accused of handing over information to Russian intelligence officers and to Jan Marsalek, the fugitive executive of a collapsed German payments firm.
