Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, Moscow promises harsh response

Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, saying the individuals engaged in activities that do not accord with their diplomatic status. The expulsions were announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orban, who framed the move as necessary to safeguard Hungary’s security and sovereignty and stressed it did not amount to cutting diplomatic ties with Moscow.

Moscow signalled it would retaliate: Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told the TASS news agency that Russia would deliver a "harsh and painful" response to Hungary’s action. The threat underscores a risk of further diplomatic tit-for-tat between the two capitals now that Budapest has taken a step many other EU members implemented earlier in response to the war in Ukraine.

Hungary’s decision represents a shift from its earlier posture after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under the previous government, Budapest maintained warmer relations with Moscow and was noted as one of the few EU states relatively closer to Russia. Former prime minister Viktor Orban, who left office last April after 16 years, was reported to have told President Vladimir Putin "I am at your service" during a phone call last year.

EU officials signalled support for Hungary’s move. EU spokesman Christian Wigand called the expulsions a legitimate decision and said the bloc will continue to coordinate closely on the situation. Many EU countries had already expelled Russian diplomats since the start of the war, and Hungary’s action brings it into line with that broader diplomatic response.