How will Europe deal with suspected Russian spies?

Moscow said Italy’s expulsion of two Russian officials suspected of spying should not affect its relations with Rome.

Italy has expelled two Russian officials after police in Rome said an Italian naval officer was caught selling classified documents to a Russian envoy.

The accusations are the latest in a number of recent espionage charges against Russia.

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The stolen documents reportedly include top secret information from NATO and the Italian military.

Moscow says it is unaware of the circumstances of the case but it might take possible steps to look into it. It has also insisted the incident should not affect its positive relations with Italy.

However, the Italian foreign ministry has summoned Russia’s ambassador in protest against what it calls “a grave act”.

So, will this crisis escalate? Or will it be contained?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Sabina Castelfranco – Journalist

Pavel Felgenhauer – Defence and military analyst

Marco Di Liddo – Senior analyst and head of the Russia and Balkans desk at the Centre for International Studies