Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats for what its foreign minister called 'unacceptable' activities, a move Budapest says protects national security. Moscow has promised a 'harsh and painful' response.
Key facts
- Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats over 'unacceptable' activities.
- Hungary's foreign minister said the decision 'protects the security and sovereignty of Hungary'.
- Russia's foreign minister warned of a 'harsh and painful' response, targeting a 'Russophobic lobby in Budapest'.
- The BBC reported Hungary's new government has dropped its previous pro-Kremlin stance.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia was confident victory in its war against Ukraine is 'very near'.
Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats over what its foreign minister described as ‘unacceptable’ activities, marking a further deterioration in relations between Budapest and Moscow. The foreign minister said the decision ‘protects the security and sovereignty of Hungary’.
Moscow reacted sharply to the expulsions. According to the Guardian, Russia’s foreign minister issued a warning to what he called the ‘Russophobic lobby in Budapest’ and said Moscow would deliver a ‘harsh and painful’ response. Al Jazeera similarly reported that Russia promised a ‘harsh and painful’ response following the expulsion.
The move signals a notable shift in the relationship between the two countries. The BBC reported that for years Hungary was viewed as Russia’s closest ally in the European Union, but that its new government has dropped the pro-Kremlin stance.
Separately, the Kremlin struck a confident tone over its war against Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia was sure victory was near. ‘Yes, we are confident, and we are sure that victory is very near,’ Peskov said in comments reported by Reuters.
The expulsions come amid ongoing tensions across Europe linked to the war in Ukraine, with Budapest’s decision underscoring a changing dynamic between Hungary and Moscow. Russia has said it will respond to the decision, though details of any countermeasures were not provided in the sources.
Why it matters
Hungary was long seen as Russia's closest partner within the European Union, so its expulsion of Russian diplomats marks a significant diplomatic shift. The dispute adds to broader tensions across Europe over the war in Ukraine and could trigger retaliatory measures from Moscow.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Hungary expel the Russian diplomats?
Hungary's foreign minister cited 'unacceptable' activities and said the decision 'protects the security and sovereignty of Hungary'. The sources do not provide further specifics on the activities.
How has Russia responded?
Russia's foreign minister warned of a 'harsh and painful' response and issued a warning to what he called the 'Russophobic lobby in Budapest', according to the Guardian and Al Jazeera.
Wasn't Hungary considered close to Russia?
Yes. The BBC reported that for years Hungary was viewed as Russia's closest ally in the EU, but its new government has dropped the pro-Kremlin stance.