MOSCOW. May 19 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the Military Attache of the Israeli Embassy Vadim Leiderman has been expelled from Russia for gathering intelligence.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry confirms the information that Military Attache Leiderman of the Israeli Embassy in Moscow was detained directly in the act of receiving intelligence from a Russian citizen in Moscow," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
"In connection with the activities incompatible with Leiderman's diplomatic status, the Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed protest and declared him persona non grata. A note has been passed to the Israeli side saying that Leiderman must leave the Russian Federation within 48 hours, which he has done," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.