Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, signaling break with Moscow

Hungary has ordered ten members of Russia's diplomatic mission in Budapest to leave the country, accusing them of activities incompatible with their status under the Vienna Convention. The decision, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant departure from the previous government's warm ties with Moscow.

Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the Russian ambassador had been informed of the assessment that the ten diplomats had engaged in conduct deemed unacceptable. Russia has vowed an appropriate response to the expulsions.

The move comes under the new administration of Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who took office after a landslide victory in April on a promise to dismantle the structures left by his predecessor, Viktor Orbán. The former premier, who ruled for 16 years, was a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and frequently delayed or blocked EU sanctions against Moscow.

Péter Krekó, director of the Budapest-based Political Capital think tank, described the step as risky, noting it could escalate tensions with Russia at a time when Moscow is already in conflict with other EU members, including Germany. However, he argued that Hungary would not face such challenges alone.

"The new government will be able to enjoy the solidarity of EU and NATO member states when it comes to defending itself and when it comes to preventing hybrid attacks and the possible cyber warfare, disinformation, and other espionage activities," Krekó said. He added that European intelligence services would assist Budapest in crafting counter-responses and defending against potential hybrid attacks.

The expulsions are seen as a clear signal of Hungary's shift away from the pro-Russian stance of the Orbán era. Currently, 47 Russian diplomats remain stationed at the embassy in Budapest, a number that exceeds the combined total in the other three Visegrad Group countries.