The Austrian government announced on Monday the expulsion of three Russian embassy employees on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities, while Foreign Minister Bayan Meinel-Reisinger described the use of diplomatic immunity for espionage purposes as “unacceptable.” The Russian embassy in Vienna denounced the decision and considered it “unjustified” and “motivated by political reasons,” vowing a “firm response.”
Published on: 04/05/2026 - 15:00
On Monday, the Austrian government confirmed to Agence France-Presse that three Russian embassy employees had been expelled on suspicion of carrying out espionage activities, while the Foreign Minister pledged to “change course” in confronting this “security problem.”
The Austrian Radio and Television Corporation (ORF) reported on Sunday evening that facilities located on the roof of the embassy may be used to spy on international organizations based in Vienna.
For its part, the Russian Embassy in Vienna on Monday condemned the Austrian Foreign Ministry’s decision, and said through its account on the Telegram application, “We consider that this new unfriendly step on the part of the Austrian authorities is completely unjustified, motivated only by political reasons and is categorically unacceptable,” stressing that Moscow will “respond firmly” to this decision.
Vienna... a den of Russian spies
Vienna Poker is often prescribed to Russian spies, with lax laws and the presence of about 220 accredited employees at the Russian embassy. The Austrian Intelligence Service stated in its last report in 2024 that “the Russian embassy in Vienna is one of the largest Russian diplomatic missions in Europe.”
The report added that it "constitutes a major strategic focus for espionage activities targeting Austria and other European countries." He stressed that "the high number of employees cannot be explained by the size of the embassy and the presence of many international organizations based in the capital."
History of evictions
Austria, a member of the European Union with a population of 9.2 million, has expelled more than a dozen diplomats since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Spying is still legal in Austria as long as it does not harm the interests of the host country, which in recent years has caused scandals that have tarnished Vienna's image with Western intelligence services.
Government intention to expand counterintelligence
According to the Broadcasting Corporation, the government intends to expand the scope of counterintelligence to include activities directed against the European Union and international organizations in Vienna. It also intends to criminalize the recruitment of agents for foreign intelligence services. The current government, which was formed in 2025 in Austria, is a coalition of conservatives, social democrats and liberals.
France 24/AFP/Reuters
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