Russia retaliates after Hungary expels 10 diplomats, deepening Budapest-Moscow rift since Orbán’s ouster
The diplomatic tit-for-tat comes as Hungary’s new government takes a markedly different approach to Russia and Ukraine from Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure.
Russia has retaliated against Hungary by ordering its diplomatic staff to leave the country, following Hungary's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats earlier this month. This escalation in relations between Budapest and Moscow comes as the two nations navigate a new era under Hungary's Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who succeeded Viktor Orbán.
Following Orbán's 16-year rule, Hungary's foreign policy has shifted, with Magyar's government strengthening ties with the EU and NATO while maintaining pragmatic relations with Russia. The recent expulsion of Russian diplomats by Hungary, citing activities deemed incompatible with diplomatic status, marks a significant change in the two nations' relationship.
Hungary's decision to expel the Russian diplomats follows their expulsion last September, which Hungary described as "baseless and openly unfriendly." Despite the tensions, Hungary maintains that its diplomatic missions in Russia will continue operating. The shift in Hungary's stance on Russia comes as the country seeks to align more closely with the European Union and NATO, while also pursuing pragmatic relations with Moscow.
The new government has condemned Russia's war against Ukraine, vowing to support Ukraine's sovereignty and right to self-defense.
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