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Austria Expels Three Russian Diplomats Over Suspected “Antenna Forest” Spy Hub
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Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats, declaring them persona non grata over concerns linked to an “antenna forest” installed on the rooftops of diplomatic properties that authorities believe could be used for espionage, the government said on May 4, according to Reuters.
A large number of satellite dishes mounted on buildings associated with the Russian state in Vienna—notably a residential complex housing diplomatic staff—have for years drawn scrutiny from Austria’s domestic intelligence agency.
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Officials have repeatedly warned that such equipment could potentially be used to intercept satellite communications of other countries.
“It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage,” said Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger in a statement, confirming that the three diplomats had already departed the country. Their expulsion brings the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 to 14.
Speaking at a press conference, Sylvia Mayer, head of the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence, declined to elaborate on the specific threat posed by the installations, stating only that concerns were related to their scale and technical characteristics, Reuters reported.
The move comes amid a broader pattern of counter-espionage actions across Europe. In January, Germany expelled a Russian diplomat based in Berlin after federal prosecutors detained a dual German-Ukrainian national suspected of spying in connection with Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said it had summoned the Russian ambassador to formally announce the expulsion, stating in a post on X: “The German government does not tolerate espionage in Germany—especially not under the guise of diplomatic status.”
According to prosecutors, the suspect—identified as Ilona W under German privacy laws—had been in contact with an official at the Russian embassy since at least November 2023. She is accused of collecting sensitive information related to Ukraine, including data on defense industry sites, drone testing activities and planned drone deliveries.
Previously, Beate Meinl-Reisinger has urged a public debate on Austria’s long-standing policy of neutrality, arguing that it is no longer sufficient to ensure the country’s security amid rising geopolitical tensions and a more assertive Russia.
In an interview with Die Welt, she stressed that neutrality by itself does not provide protection and highlighted the need to bolster defense capabilities while expanding international cooperation. “Austria is protected by investment in its own defense capacities and in its partnerships,” she said.
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