Moscow vowed a “harsh and painful” response to Hungary’s move to expel 10 Russian diplomats.
Budapest called the envoys’ activity in the country “unacceptable” under the Vienna Convention.
“The response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Russian media.
The new government under pro-EU, conservative Prime Minister Peter Magyar made the move to protect Hungary’s “security and sovereignty,” Foreign Minister Anita Orban said in a Facebook post. She added the decision “does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia.” EU spokesman Christian Wigand called Hungary’s move a “legitimate decision” and “an expected reaction in view of Russia’s persistent campaign in using hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.”
The expulsions mark a sharp shift in Hungary’s relationship with Russia under Prime Minister Peter Magyar, ending Budapest’s previous reluctance to join broader European diplomatic pressure on Moscow. They also underscore Magyar’s effort to draw Hungary closer to the EU and Kyiv after years of friction under Viktor Orban. Moscow’s promised retaliation could now test how far that realignment will go, particularly if Budapest responds with further measures against Russian influence or moves closer to EU positions on Russia and Ukraine. (AFP+EIR)
