Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as it shifts away from previous pro-Moscow stance

Hungary’s government announced the expulsions on Tuesday, signaling a decisive shift away from the close ties maintained by the previous administration. The Russian ambassador was informed that according to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention, according to Foreign Minister Anita Orbán.

Anita Orbán, Foreign Minister

While the foreign minister did not specify the exact nature of the infractions or outline a definitive departure deadline, she emphasized that the measure was essential to safeguard national sovereignty. The decision represents a notable pivot for Hungary, which remained one of the few European Union allies to Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under the previous government, Budapest’s relations with Moscow were warm, and former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán reportedly told Russian President Vladimir Putin I am at your service during a phone call last year.

The foreign minister also noted that the expulsion does not sever official ties entirely. This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty, Orbán wrote in a statement. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry responded swiftly through state media outlets, telling Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti that Moscow planned to provide an appropriate response to the expulsions without elaborating. In separate comments to Russia’s TASS news agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova promised a harsh and painful response.

Meanwhile, the European Commission welcomed the announcement. European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand told journalists on Tuesday that we take note of Hungary’s legitimate decision to expel the Russian diplomats, adding that the EU will continue to closely coordinate the situation. He characterized the move as an expected reaction to Russia’s persistent campaign in using hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states, which have included sabotage, election interference, and an attempted attack at a German airport.

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European leaders have repeatedly accused Moscow of conducting vast hybrid warfare campaigns. On Tuesday, Romanian authorities detained a 40-year-old Russian citizen suspected of spying for Moscow between February and July this year with a view to carrying out acts of sabotage after collecting information of a military nature. Romania’s anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, stated that the suspect took and sent photos of Romanian and NATO equipment and the movement of military personnel in several counties that endangered national security. The Romanian intelligence service, SRI, noted the Russian citizen was instructed by an intermediary to take photos and videos with targets of strategic military interest, including Ukrainian ANTONOV cargo aircraft, indicating a similar pattern to networks of saboteurs coordinated by Russia.

Additionally, Moldovan police reported Tuesday that a 49-year-old man originally from Azerbaijan was detained on allegations of collecting information for Russian intelligence services. Police stated he targeted military targets and some U.S. facilities in Moldova, was allegedly trained to carry out diversionary activities in Ukraine and Moldova, and has been placed in pre-trial detention for 30 days. Russia has repeatedly denied allegations that it is trying to destabilize countries throughout Europe.

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Prime Minister Peter Magyar Reverses Pro-Moscow Course

The diplomatic expulsions unfold under Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who took office earlier this year after winning the elections last April and defeating former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost the elections after 16 years in power. Magyar campaigned on promises to tackle corruption and dismantle the power structures left behind by his predecessor. Viktor Orbán was an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin who repeatedly delayed or blocked EU sanctions on Russia and pursued energy deals with Russia.

In stark contrast, Magyar formally broke with the previous Fidesz government’s policies last month, with new guidelines spelling out that Russia’s conduct in Ukraine poses a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order, and also puts the Hungarian minority living in Transcarpathia in serious danger.