Hungary has ordered 10 members of Russia’s diplomatic mission to leave the country over activities authorities say are incompatible with their diplomatic status, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced Tuesday.
Orbán did not provide details about the alleged activities or specify how long the Russian personnel had been given to leave Hungary.
She said the Russian ambassador had been formally informed of the government’s decision following an assessment by Hungarian authorities.
“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,” Orbán said.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty that establishes rules governing diplomatic missions and the conduct and privileges of diplomats.
Orbán said the expulsions were intended to safeguard Hungary’s national security and sovereignty but stressed that Budapest was not severing diplomatic relations with Moscow.
“This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty,” she said. “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 move comes under Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who took office earlier this year after campaigning on a pledge to move Hungary away from the Russia-friendly policies pursued by his predecessor.
Former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his time in office. His government repeatedly delayed or opposed some European Union sanctions against Russia while continuing to pursue energy agreements with Moscow.
The expulsion of the Russian diplomats signals a significant shift in Budapest’s relationship with Moscow under Hungary’s new government.
























