As per reports, the Russian government has dismantled several satellite antennas, collectively known as an ‘antenna forest’, at its diplomatic buildings in Vienna on Monday (11 May).
• This development follows protests and formal demands for information from the Austrian Federal Government regarding alleged espionage activities conducted from these sites.
• Reports indicate that the dismantling of these facilities is considered an important step after the earlier expulsion of three Russian diplomats who were allegedly involved in satellite-based intelligence gathering.
• Surveillance activities were reportedly focused on extracting data from international organisations using satellite systems located at the Russian Embassy in Vienna-Landstraße and a diplomatic settlement in Vienna-Donaustadt.
• Furthermore, a draft law is currently in political coordination to criminalise espionage against international agencies, as national security interests are projected to be prioritized over previous policy stances.
