Expelled Russian diplomat reappears in Serbia as military attaché amid intelligence concerns

In April 2021 Bulgaria’s Foreign Ministry expelled a Russian diplomat without naming him; later reporting identified the individual as Alexander Krasiy, who had been the assistant military attaché at the Russian embassy in Sofia. The expulsion occurred during a criminal investigation into four explosions at weapons depots and production sites from 2011-2020, which Bulgarian prosecutors suspect were intended to halt arms deliveries to Georgia and Ukraine and may be connected to the attempted poisoning of arms dealer Emilian Gebrev.

After leaving Bulgaria, Krasiy resurfaced in Belgrade, appearing in a defence-university training course and receiving formal accreditation as an assistant military attaché in Serbia in 2026. Leaked documents show he listed a dormitory of the GRU’s Military Diplomatic Academy as his residence, suggesting ties to Russian military intelligence; the academy has produced figures such as Anatoly Chepiga. Serbia has become a hub for expelled Russian diplomats, with at least three former EU-expelled officials now accredited there, two linked to intelligence services. The revelation raises concerns about the use of Serbian territory for Russian sabotage planning, including a failed plot targeting Leipzig Airport and possible routes for explosives aimed at Ukrainian aircraft.