Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats, Signaling Shift From Orbán-Era Ties

Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats for allegedly engaging in activities deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status, in a move that signals a possible end to Budapest’s long-standing closeness with Russia under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

In a statement, Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the expelled diplomats had been involved in activities in Hungary that were unacceptable under the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations.

However, Hungary said the expulsions should not be interpreted as a move to sever ties with Russia. Budapest also stressed that it wanted to maintain the necessary dialogue with Moscow.

According to Reuters, Russia has announced that it will retaliate against Hungary’s decision.

Russia’s state-run Interfax news agency, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry, reported that Moscow’s response would be “painful” for Hungary.

Viktor Orbán stepped down as prime minister in April after 16 years in power. During his long tenure, he maintained close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even after Russia launched its full-scale military operation in Ukraine in February 2022.

Under Orbán, Hungary continued importing oil and gas from Russia.

While several European countries expelled dozens of Russian diplomats following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Hungary did not expel any Russian diplomats. Before Tuesday’s decision, Budapest’s most recent publicly announced expulsion of a Russian diplomat was in 2018.

Hungary Signals a New Foreign Policy Direction

Meanwhile, new Prime Minister Péter Magyar and his centre-right government have said from the outset that Hungary’s primary alliances are with the European Union and NATO.

Rebuilding international confidence in Hungary, which was damaged during Orbán’s rule, is also among the government’s key objectives.

At a parliamentary hearing in May, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said Russia would remain a partner of Hungary. However, she stressed that relations between the two countries could not be based on “one-sided dependence.”

She also said Russia’s policies were creating security challenges for both Hungary and Europe.

Tuesday’s expulsion of the 10 Russian diplomats therefore