Russia Accredits Diplomat Expelled From Bulgaria for Spying as Military Attaché in Serbia

Russian diplomat Alexander Krasiy, who was reportedly expelled from Bulgaria five years ago following a spy scandal, has been accredited in Serbia in 2026 as assistant military attaché, according to Radio Free Europe reporting cited by Yevropeyska Pravda. The development illustrates Russia's practice of redeploying intelligence-linked personnel to other Balkan countries after expulsion.

Background: Expelled From Bulgaria for Spying

Bulgarian media had previously reported that Krasiy was expelled from Bulgaria due to involvement in intelligence activities — part of a broader effort by Western and allied countries to identify and expel Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover. The specific details of the Bulgarian case were not fully disclosed publicly.

Now Accredited in Serbia

Despite his expulsion history from Bulgaria, Krasiy was successfully accredited as assistant military attaché at Russia's embassy in Serbia in 2026. Serbia, while maintaining official neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, has not joined Western sanctions against Russia and has not expelled Russian diplomats.

Significance

The case highlights how Russia can redeploy personnel expelled from one country to neighboring states, particularly those not aligned with NATO's diplomatic pressures. The Balkans remains an area of significant Russian intelligence activity and political influence.