Hungary Orders Expulsion of 10 Russian Diplomats
Hungary announced on September 7th that it has ordered the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats accused of engaging in “spy activities,” marking a continued shift in the new government’s relationship with Russia from support to confrontation. Moscow responded, warning of a “harsh and painful” retaliation.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán stated on Tuesday (September 8th) on a platform X that the Russian Ambassador to Budapest had been informed that “according to the Hungarian government’s assessment, 10 members of the Russian mission engaged in diplomatic activities that violated the Vienna Convention.”
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), established in 1961 and formally enforced in 1964, regulates the establishment of diplomatic relations between nations, the functions of diplomatic representatives, the inviolability of diplomatic premises, as well as the core diplomatic privileges and immunities (such as diplomatic agents not being subject to arrest or trial by local authorities in the host country when involved in criminal activities or civil disputes).
Anita Orbán stated, “This decision is made to protect Hungary’s security and sovereignty.” She emphasized that this action “does not mean cutting off diplomatic relations with Russia” and Budapest “intends to continue necessary dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to rules.”
Later, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova told the state news agency TASS that the Kremlin’s response to the “anti-Russian forces in Budapest” will be “harsh and painful.”
Hungary’s move has been praised by the European Union (EU). Since the resignation of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán earlier this year, the EU has been supportive of the new Hungarian government.
European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand described Budapest’s decision as “reasonable,” characterizing it as “an expected reaction given Russia’s continued hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.”
He added that the EU expresses “full solidarity” with Hungary and reaffirms “support for all member states to conduct diplomatic and consular activities in accordance with international law.” He further stated that this alliance of 27 nations will “continue to coordinate with Hungary and other member states, and work towards protecting the interests and rights of EU citizens.”
Hungary’s expulsion of diplomats comes shortly after Germany’s closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn and the “Russian House” in Berlin on September 1st, citing Moscow’s alleged involvement in the attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.
This action to expel foreign diplomats is part of Hungary’s ongoing reversal in its stance towards Russia. During the tenure of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (no relation to the current Foreign Minister), Hungary maintained a much friendlier relationship with Moscow than most European countries, following the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The former Prime Minister repeatedly obstructed EU sanctions against Russia and vehemently opposed Brussels’ plans to ban imports of Russian energy, making multiple visits to Moscow to meet with Russian President Putin.
Last month, Budapest declared Russia as a “threat to the global order” and officially condemned its military aggression, a stark contrast to the previous government’s pro-Moscow stance, highlighting a significant shift in the new government’s attitude.
In Hungary’s policy guidelines announced on August 25th, it condemned Russia’s military aggression and pledged full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, recognizing Ukraine’s right to self-defense. The country’s delegation attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly must adhere to this policy.
Since taking office, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has implemented more anti-Russia policies, distancing Hungary from its previously close ties with the Kremlin under Viktor Orbán’s administration, and fostering friendlier relations with other EU member states – Hungary joined the EU in 2004.
Previously, Magyar announced a review of the Paks II nuclear power plant agreement signed between Viktor Orbán and the Russian state atomic energy corporation Rosatom in 2014, successfully unfreezing €16.4 billion (approximately $19.1 billion) in EU funds. Budapest also withdrew its veto, which had been used to block military aid compensation to EU member states for sending weapons to Kyiv.
He also returned gold and cash seized from bank vehicles passing through Hungary en route to Ukraine.
Despite cooling relations between Budapest and Moscow under Magyar’s leadership, his government remains opposed to expediting Ukraine’s accession to the EU, as Ukraine still needs to undergo a series of reforms required by the EU.
In a post on platform X on June 3rd, Magyar stated, “Hungary continues to oppose the accelerated accession of Ukraine. If Ukraine can complete all 33 chapters of the accession negotiations within the next 10 to 15 years, Hungary will support Ukraine’s accession, subject to a legally binding referendum decision.”