Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced on X that Hungary is expelling ten “unacceptable” Russian diplomats. According to the minister, “the Russian embassy staff had been engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.”
Ms. Orbán did not specify any further reasons for the expulsion, but stated that the aim of this measure was to protect Hungary’s “security and sovereignty.” She added that Hungary wished to continue “necessary dialogue with Russia, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules.”
Russia immediately reacted. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow’s response to “the Russophobic lobby in Budapest” would be “harsh and painful,” although Russia has not yet specified what retaliatory measures it intends to take.
Tensions intensified in late August after the Magyar government issued instructions for Hungary’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly describing Russia’s conduct as a “threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order.” The document condemned Russia’s military aggression, reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and warned that the war also endangers ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia.
