© Vasily Maximov/Agence France-PresseAustrian ambassador to Russia Johannes Eigner enters the Russian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Moscow on November 9, 2018.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Austrian ambassador on Friday to protest over 'sensationalist media leak' about a former military officer accused of spying for Moscow, and expressed concern over damage to relations.

Earlier, the Austrian government confirmed reports in the national media that a retired Austrian colonel was being prosecuted for espionage. The man is said to have been recruited as early as 1988 and continued funneling secret information to Moscow until his exposure this year.

Moscow told Austrian Ambassador Johannes Eigner that it was

"puzzled why our Austrian partners chose not to discuss their suspicions with us through the established channels of dialogue, but instead resorted to what has become the customary method for many Western countries - a sensationalized leak to the media and a public demand for an explanation from Russia,"

according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl said earlier that the alleged espionage case may seriously damage relations between the two nations. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow "noted" the statements.

"We stressed that some of Vienna's actions, which were based on suspicions and not backed by any proof, have already complicated our relations, which until recently developed quite positively."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who commented on the scandal earlier, criticized what he dubbed as "loudspeaker diplomacy" by Western nations - the use of public accusations against Russia of various misdeeds and failure to resolve potential conflicts through regular diplomatic channels.

Austria maintains a stance of relative neutrality amid the ongoing confrontation between Western nations and Russia. The spy scandal has already undermined Austria's role as a bridge between the two. Foreign Minister Kneissl has canceled a planned trip to Moscow over the case.

Kronen Zeitung earlier reported that a former colonel of the Austrian Armed Forces had been detained on suspicion of spying for Russia for 20 years. Meanwhile, Austrian newspaper Die Presse reported that the suspect in the espionage scandal had already confessed to committing the crime.

Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung reported, citing Salzburg chief prosecutor Robert Holzleitner, that the former Austrian colonel, who is suspected of spying for Russia for about 20 years, was arrested by authorities last night. The outlet gave no further details regarding the progress of the investigation.

Austria Hopes For Cooperation With Russia

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl expressed hope that Moscow would cooperate with Vienna in the espionage case, Austria's APA news agency reported, citing the minister.

"We expect comprehensive cooperation from the Russian side in the investigation [into the ex-colonel's case]," she said.

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