Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country over activities deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced on Tuesday. The Russian Foreign Ministry responded by warning of a 'harsh and painful' retaliation, escalating tensions between Budapest and Moscow.
Key developments:
- The Hungarian government stated the diplomats were engaged in activities violating the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, though no specifics were disclosed.
- Russia’s ambassador to Hungary was informed of the decision, which the Hungarian government emphasized does not sever diplomatic ties with Moscow.
Hungary’s rationale and policy shift
Hungary’s new center-right government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has distanced itself from the pro-Russia policies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin even after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Under Orbán’s leadership, Hungary continued purchasing Russian oil and gas, opposed EU sanctions on Russia, and blocked a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine.
Since taking office in April, Magyar’s government has pledged to align Hungary more closely with NATO and EU policies, including a stronger stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Orbán stated the expulsions were intended to protect Hungary’s security and sovereignty while leaving diplomatic channels open for dialogue.
Russia’s response and diplomatic tensions
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the move, calling it part of a 'Russophobic lobby' in Budapest and vowing a 'harsh and painful' response. Russian Ambassador to Hungary Evgeny Stanislavov dismissed Hungary’s claim of maintaining dialogue, stating that such assertions were 'worth absolutely nothing' and that the expulsions would receive an 'appropriate response'.
Broader context and implications
The expulsions mark a significant shift in Hungary’s approach to Russia. Unlike many EU and NATO members, Hungary had not expelled any Russian diplomats since 2018 and had taken no such action after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The new government’s decision aligns with its stated commitment to rebuild trust with European allies and address concerns over hybrid threats from Russia.
European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand noted that Hungary’s action was a legitimate response to Russia’s 'persistent campaign of hybrid attacks' against EU member states. The move reflects growing pressure on Hungary to adopt a firmer stance amid concerns over Russian influence operations in Europe.
Timeline of key events
- April 2024: Viktor Orbán’s government, which had maintained close ties with Russia, was replaced by Péter Magyar’s center-right administration.
- May 2024: Foreign Minister Orbán summoned the Russian ambassador to protest a drone attack on Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region, home to a large Hungarian minority.
- June 2024: The new government formally declared that Russia’s actions in Ukraine pose a threat to Hungary and Europe, marking a clear break from Orbán’s policies.
- July 2024: Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, citing Vienna Convention violations.
Ongoing diplomatic posture
Despite the expulsions, both Hungary and Russia have signaled an intent to maintain some level of diplomatic engagement. Hungarian officials reiterated their commitment to dialogue, while Russian authorities framed the decision as an 'unprecedented and unjustified escalation'. The evolving dynamic underscores the broader geopolitical tensions within Europe as nations grapple with balancing diplomacy and security concerns.