On Nov. 7, Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky announced that Vienna’s expulsion of four Russian diplomats would trigger a proportionate and painful response from the Kremlin. Lyubinsky said the decision could not be ignored and would prompt equivalent measures against Austrian interests. The announcement came after Austria replaced the diplomats in a move seen by Russia as a direct affront to its foreign ministry. The move set a new tone in the ongoing diplomatic weaseling across Europe.
Austria declared the four diplomats persona non grata on Oct. 23 after a months‑long investigation into alleged espionage activities linked to a covert operation in Vienna. The officials cited unverified reports of clandestine surveillance of Austrian state media and parliamentary proceedings. The diplomats were ordered to depart the country within 48 hours, a standard procedure that aligns with Vienna Convention protocols on diplomatic expulsions. The Austrian defense ministry affirmed its commitment to national security and the rule of law.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dmitry Lyubinsky told TASS that the expulsion would be painful for Vienna.
It will inevitably be painful for Vienna, but this is by no means our choice. Any unfriendly actions by Austrian authorities will receive a proportionate response from the Russian side.
The Kremlin’s warning is part of a broader pattern of diplomatic tit‑for‑tat between Moscow and Western capitals over espionage allegations and data security concerns. Previous exchanges have seen the expulsion of German and British diplomats from Russia, and Russia has withdrawn diplomats from other EU member states after similar accusations. No other international outlet has reported on Lyubinsky’s threat, leaving the global community to observe how Vienna and Moscow might calibrate retaliatory actions in the coming weeks.
