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Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as relations with Kremlin worsen
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave Budapest for engaging in "unacceptable" activities, marking a shift from its previous pro-Kremlin stance under Viktor Orbán.
- The new Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar and Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, has called for an end to the war in Ukraine and criticized Russia's actions as a threat to Hungary and the broader region.
- Despite expelling diplomats, Hungary maintains it is not severing diplomatic relations with Russia, though Moscow has warned of a "harsh and painful" response to what it calls a Russophobic lobby.
- Investigations revealed that a significant portion of Russian embassy staff in Budapest may be linked to intelligence agencies, with previous Hungarian governments accused of blocking action against suspected espionage.
- The expulsion raises concerns about potential reciprocal actions by Russia, which could escalate diplomatic tensions and possibly lead to the closure of Hungary's embassy in Moscow.
