Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country

Hungary has decided to expel 10 Russian diplomats from the country.

The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban announced the decision on the social media platform X.

According to her, a representative of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Russia’s ambassador to Hungary on Tuesday that 10 employees of the diplomatic mission had engaged in activities unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.

Hungary therefore demanded that the individuals leave the country.

Anita Orban said the decision was aimed at protecting Hungary’s security and sovereignty. The minister stressed that the move did not mean Hungary was severing diplomatic relations with Russia.

She said Budapest intended to continue the necessary dialogue with Moscow on the basis of mutual respect and compliance with the rules.

Earlier, Hungary’s new leadership had described Russia as a threat. A statement by the country’s government said Russia’s conduct posed a threat to Hungary, Europe and the global order.

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations sets out the framework governing diplomatic missions, including the privileges and responsibilities of diplomats. States may declare diplomatic personnel unwelcome and request their departure without necessarily ending diplomatic relations.