Hungary is set to expel 10 Russian diplomats from the country, Budapest's Foreign Minister Anita Orbán wrote on social media earlier today. According to Orbán, several Russian diplomatic mission staff members “had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.” She stressed, however, that the decision “does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia.”
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of Russian diplomats have been expelled from EU member states. Hungary, however, whose government was previously led by the Kremlin-friendly Viktor Orbán, did not participate in these measures. The last time a Russian diplomatic mission employee was officially declared persona non grata in Hungary was in 2018.
Current foreign minister Orbán said she had instructed a subordinate to inform Russian Ambassador to Hungary Yevgeny Stanislavov that “10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.” As she stressed:
“The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary. This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules.”
