Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as Moscow vows retaliation
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán (photo: Getty Images)
Hungary has decided to expel 10 employees of the Russian mission over activities it considers unacceptable. Moscow has already threatened a response, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán.
According to her, today, on her instructions, the responsible official at the Hungarian Foreign Ministry informed the Russian ambassador in Budapest of the decision concerning ten representatives of the Russian side.
"According to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 employees of the Russian mission were engaged in activities in Hungary that, under the Vienna Convention, are unacceptable for diplomats," Orbán said.
They were therefore asked to leave Hungary.
The Hungarian side stressed that the move was linked to the need to protect the country's security and sovereignty.
At the same time, Budapest separately noted that the expulsion of ten Russian representatives does not mean the severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"Hungary intends to continue maintaining the necessary dialogue based on mutual respect and compliance with the rules," the Hungarian diplomat stressed.
Moscow promised to respond
The Russian side has already responded to Budapest's decision. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Moscow would respond to the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats.
According to her, Russia's response will be harsh.
"The response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful," Zakharova said.
Thus, despite Hungary's decision to expel ten Russian representatives, Budapest has not currently announced any intention to end diplomatic contacts with Moscow. At the same time, the Russian side has already made it clear that it plans to respond to the move.
Earlier, the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar officially stated that Russia poses a threat not only to Hungary but also to European security and the international order.
Budapest also condemned Russia's war against Ukraine, reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and recognized Ukraine's right to self-defense.
