Diplomatic relations between Russia and Italy have entered a new phase of tension, after Moscow announced the expulsion of two Italian diplomats from its territory, a move it said was in response to a similar decision taken by Rome against Russian diplomats earlier.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Vittorio Barilla, the attaché at the Italian Embassy in Russia, and Davide Daprieli, his assistant, were considered 'undesirable persons,' demanding that they leave Russian territory within three days, a decision that also included their family members.

The Russian decision came after Italy announced on July 9 that it was expelling two Russian diplomats, accusing them of working for Russian intelligence under diplomatic cover within Italian territory.

The Italian decision coincided with the arrest of two former members of the Italian intelligence service on charges of collaborating with Moscow, prompting Rome to take diplomatic actions that Moscow considered an escalation warranting a reciprocal response.

The exchange of measures between the two countries comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and several European countries, which have reflected in recent times on the level of political and diplomatic relations.

The diplomatic relations between Russia and Italy have entered a new phase of tension, after Moscow announced the expulsion of two Italian diplomats from its territory, a move it said was in response to a similar decision made by Rome against Russian diplomats earlier.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that Vittorio Barilla, the attaché at the Italian Embassy in Russia, and Davide Daprieli, his assistant, were considered "undesirable persons," demanding that they leave Russian territory within three days, a decision that also included their family members.

The Russian decision came after Italy announced on July 9 that it was expelling two Russian diplomats, accusing them of working for Russian intelligence under diplomatic cover within Italian territory.

The Italian decision coincided with the arrest of two former members of the Italian intelligence service on charges of collaborating with Moscow, prompting Rome to take diplomatic actions that Moscow considered an escalation warranting a reciprocal response.

The exchange of measures between the two countries comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and several European countries, which have reflected in recent times on the level of political and diplomatic relations.