Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as relations worsen

Hungary expelled ten Russian diplomats on Tuesday, citing their actions as incompatible with diplomatic status, signaling a shift away from the pro-Russian era of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In response, Russia vowed retaliation for what it deemed an "extremely unfriendly step."

The expelled diplomats were involved in activities deemed unacceptable under the Vienna Convention, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban. It is worth noting that Anita Orban, the current minister, is not related to Viktor Orban. The decision, she emphasized, does not entail severing diplomatic relations with Russia; rather, Hungary intends to maintain necessary dialogue.

However, Russia's ambassador to Budapest, Evgeny Stanislavov, dismissed this assertion, stating that Hungary's actions represent an "unprecedented and unjustified escalation" and that Hungary's claims of open channels of dialogue and continued pragmatic cooperation hold no value. Stanislavov further asserted that Hungary's move is an "unprecedented and unjustified escalation" and that Hungary's claims of open channels of dialogue and continued pragmatic cooperation hold no value.

Under Viktor Orban, Hungary maintained close ties with Russia despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During his tenure, Hungary continued to purchase Russian oil and gas, disregarded EU sanctions on Russia, and obstructed a €90 billion (US$97 billion) EU loan to Ukraine. Prior to Tuesday's expulsion, Hungary had not publicly recalled any Russian diplomats since 2018.

New Prime Minister Peter Magyar, leading a center-right government, has repeatedly affirmed that Hungary's primary alliances are the European Union and NATO, and that the government's objective is to rebuild trust eroded during Viktor Orban's rule. In a parliamentary hearing in May, Anita Orban maintained that Russia remains a partner, but their relationship cannot be based on one-sided dependency, noting that Moscow's policies pose a security challenge to Hungary and Europe.