In brief
Hungary’s new government has kicked out a dozen Russian diplomats from Budapest, marking a stark break from its former pro‑Kremlin stance. The Foreign Minister says the move protects national security, while Russia’s ambassador warns of a “harsh and painful” retaliation that could flip the diplomat walk‑off. Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Hungarian officials label the conflict a threat to the country and Europe, urging Russia to end hostilities. Experts note that this shift comes amid heightened European concerns over espionage and a series of expulsion waves since 2022.
In a surprising diplomatic blow, Hungary announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats from Budapest. While Hungary has long been seen as a close ally of Russia in the EU, the new government has turned away from that relationship since taking office.
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the diplomats were removed for "unacceptable" activities, though she did not say what those were. The move, she said, was meant to protect Hungarian security.
Russia’s ambassador in Budapest warned that Moscow would reply with a "harsh and painful" response. Experts say this could spark a tit‑for‑tat walk‑off of diplomats on both sides.
With the war in Ukraine still raging, Hungarian leaders are now calling for diplomatic cooperation that will push Russia to end the conflict. The government highlighted that the war "poses a threat to Hungary and Europe" and endangers the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region.
This marks a major shift from the previous government’s pro‑Kremlin stance, showing a new direction for Hungary’s foreign policy. It also reflects growing European concerns over espionage and foreign interference that have prompted many countries to expel Russian diplomats since 2022.
