Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats; Moscow vows 'painful' response
On Tuesday, Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats, citing their actions as incompatible with diplomatic status. This marks a significant shift from the pro-Russian stance of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was ousted in April after 16 years in power. Russia's foreign ministry, through spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, vowed a harsh and painful response to what it called the 'Russophobic lobby in Budapest.' Under Orban, Hungary maintained close ties with President Vladimir Putin, continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas, blocking EU sanctions on Russia, and holding up a €90 billion (US$97 billion) EU loan to Ukraine. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many European countries expelled Russian diplomats, but Hungary had not expelled any publicly since 2018. The expulsion signals a departure from Hungary's previous policy, though Budapest stresses it does not mean cutting ties with Russia.
Key facts
- Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats on Tuesday.
- The diplomats were accused of acting incompatibly with their diplomatic status.
- Russia's foreign ministry vowed a 'painful' response.
- Maria Zakharova, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, called the response 'harsh and painful'.
- Viktor Orban, former PM, was ousted in April after 16 years in power.
- Under Orban, Hungary maintained close ties with Putin and blocked EU sanctions on Russia.
- Hungary had not expelled any Russian diplomats publicly since 2018.
- Budapest stresses the decision does not mean cutting ties with Russia.
Entities
Institutions
- Hungarian government
- Russian foreign ministry
- European Union
Locations
- Hungary
- Russia
- Budapest
- Moscow
- Ukraine