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Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, accusing them of engaging in activities it considers "unacceptable" and incompatible with their diplomatic responsibilities. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban said on Tuesday that the expulsions were necessary to safeguard Hungary's national security.
Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats as Moscow Threatens Retaliation
Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, accusing them of engaging in activities it considers "unacceptable" and incompatible with their diplomatic responsibilities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban said on Tuesday that the expulsions were necessary to safeguard Hungary's national security and sovereignty.
She stressed, however, that the move did not signal a decision by Budapest to sever diplomatic relations with Moscow.
Russia has responded angrily, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warning that Moscow would deliver a "harsh and painful" response. She made the comments to Russia's state-run TASS news agency.
The expulsions represent a notable shift in Hungary's approach to Russia. Budapest has maintained closer relations with Moscow than many other European Union members since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who governed Hungary for 16 years before losing April's election, relations between Budapest and Moscow remained comparatively warm. Viktor Orban is not related to current Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban.
The former Hungarian leader was also reported to have told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a phone conversation last year: "I am at your service."
The European Union has welcomed Hungary's decision to expel the diplomats. EU spokesman Christian Wigand described the move as legitimate and said the bloc would continue coordinating closely with member states over the issue.
Several EU countries expelled Russian diplomats following the invasion of Ukraine, citing security concerns and allegations of espionage or other activities. Hungary, however, had previously avoided joining those expulsions.
The latest decision therefore marks a significant departure from Budapest's earlier policy toward Moscow, although the Hungarian government has made clear that diplomatic ties with Russia will remain in place.
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