The new pro-European government of Hungary announced on Tuesday the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats for "unacceptable activities". The decision marks a significant shift in Budapest's stance towards Moscow and occurs amid the country's rapprochement with its European Union partners.
The measure was taken after it was found that the Russian diplomats were carrying out activities that violate the Vienna Convention, which regulates international diplomatic relations. The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the 10 members of the Russian representation must leave the country's territory.
The change in Hungarian foreign policy is directly linked to the government transition in the country. Under the leadership of nationalist Viktor Orbán, Hungary maintained pro-Russia positions for years. However, after losing the elections in April, Orbán was replaced by Péter Magyar as prime minister, who since then has been strengthening ties with European partners.
In response to the expulsion, Russia promised a "tough and painful" reaction to the Hungarian government's decision, indicating an escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
