Hungary has ordered 10 members of Russia’s diplomatic mission in Budapest to leave the country due to activities deemed unacceptable, marking a shift from the previous administration’s warm relations with Moscow. Foreign Minister Anita Orbán stated that these diplomats violated the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic conduct.
“Acting on my instructions, on Tuesday the relevant official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Russian ambassador to Hungary that, according to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary. This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules,” the foreign minister said in a statement.
In response, Russia has vowed to provide an “appropriate response” to the expulsions.
This decision comes months after Prime Minister Péter Magyar took office, pledging to combat corruption and dismantle the power structures left by his predecessor, Viktor Orbán, who was an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While the specific activities of the expelled diplomats were not disclosed, Orbán emphasised that Hungary seeks to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia.
European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand supported Hungary’s legitimate decision, viewing it as a response to “Russia’s persistent campaign of hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.”
European leaders have consistently accused Moscow of undertaking extensive “hybrid warfare,” which includes allegations of sabotage, election interference, and an attempted attack at a German airport.
On the same day, Romania reported the detention of a 40-year-old Russian citizen suspected of spying and attempting sabotage by gathering military information. Romanian authorities highlighted that this case reflects a “similar pattern” used by Russia across Europe. Russia has denied allegations of destabilising actions in European countries.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
