The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared on Wednesday two Russian diplomats as personae non gratae, requiring them to leave Austria by March 19. The ministry did not provide any details as to why the two diplomats were asked to leave Austria.

In an official statement, the ministry accused the two diplomats of engaging in “actions that are incompatible with their diplomatic status.” Referring to Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the ministry declared the two individuals as personae non gratae, which means Russia must now either recall the individuals or terminate their functions as diplomats.

Since 2020, Austria has expelled 11 Russian diplomats. Last year, Austria also revoked the diplomatic status of four Russians for similar reasons. The Directory of Diplomatic Missions currently lists 56 individuals as diplomats to Austria from Russia.

In a Telegram announcement, the Russian Embassy said they are outraged by the decision. According to the embassy, the decision was unsupported by evidence and a politically motivated move, which the embassy categorically rejects.