Hungary has ordered 10 members of Russia’s diplomatic mission to leave the country over activities Hungarian authorities described as unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced the decision Tuesday, saying Hungarian authorities determined that the Russian diplomatic personnel had engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. She did not disclose specific details of the alleged activities or provide a deadline for their departure.
Orbán said the decision was taken to protect Hungary’s national security and sovereignty, while emphasizing that Budapest was not breaking diplomatic relations with Moscow. She said Hungary intended to maintain necessary dialogue with Russia based on mutual respect and international diplomatic rules.
The expulsions mark a notable shift in Hungary’s relationship with Russia under the country’s new government led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which has signaled a move away from the previous government’s close ties with Moscow.
Hungary had already expelled a Russian diplomat in May over allegations of intelligence-gathering activities carried out under diplomatic cover. Budapest also summoned Russia’s ambassador following Russian drone strikes in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, which has a significant ethnic Hungarian population.
Russia has indicated that it will respond to Hungary’s decision. The move comes amid broader tensions between Moscow and European countries over Russia’s war in Ukraine and accusations of Russian espionage and other forms of hybrid activity across Europe.
Despite the diplomatic expulsion, Hungary says it will continue maintaining relations with Russia. The latest action nevertheless signals growing scrutiny of Russian diplomatic personnel and activities across Europe as governments strengthen national-security measures.
Swifteradio.com
