In May 2026, Austria took a bold step by expelling three Russian diplomats from Vienna. This decision marked a significant change in Austrian policy toward Russia. The expulsions followed months of investigation into what officials called the "forest of antennas" on the roof of the Russian Embassy.
Austrian intelligence had been monitoring roughly eight antennas on the embassy building in Vienna's 3rd district. Investigators discovered that at least one antenna could be repositioned to intercept satellite communications. These signals belonged to important international organizations based in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, OPEC, and several UN agencies. Western intelligence officials suggested the surveillance also targeted NATO communications and signals from the Middle East and Africa.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger announced the expulsions, stating that espionage was unacceptable and that diplomatic immunity should not be used for spying. In mid-April, Austria had asked Russia to waive the diplomats' immunity so they could face criminal charges. Moscow refused, leading to the expulsion order.
Russia responded angrily, calling the decision "outrageous" and "purely politically motivated." The country promised a harsh response and warned that bilateral relations would worsen further. Austria expected reciprocal expulsions. This incident highlighted Vienna's struggle to balance its traditional neutrality with modern security concerns, as roughly one-third of Russia's 500 diplomats in Austria reportedly perform intelligence functions.