Austria declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata on September 30, 2025, accusing him of espionage activities concerning the oil giant OMV. Austrian intelligence suspects the diplomat obtained sensitive company documents from a former senior OMV employee, who recently worked also with Abu Dhabi National Oil, an OMV shareholder. The diplomat left Austria following Moscow's refusal to lift diplomatic immunity and allow an investigation. This incident reflects intensified Russian espionage in Europe amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Economic pressures have mounted as OMV terminated a significant gas supply contract with Russian Gazprom Export in late 2024 due to contractual breaches. The EU is accelerating plans to phase out Russian energy imports, increasing Kremlin concerns about Western pressure on its war capabilities.

Austria declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata on September 30, 2025, accusing him of espionage activities concerning the oil giant OMV. Austrian intelligence suspects the diplomat obtained sensitive company documents from a former senior OMV employee, who recently worked also with Abu Dhabi National Oil, an OMV shareholder. The diplomat left Austria following Moscow's refusal to lift diplomatic immunity and allow an investigation. This incident reflects intensified Russian espionage in Europe amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Economic pressures have mounted as OMV terminated a significant gas supply contract with Russian Gazprom Export in late 2024 due to contractual breaches. The EU is accelerating plans to phase out Russian energy imports, increasing Kremlin concerns about Western pressure on its war capabilities.