Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats

<p>Hungary has demanded that 10 individuals associated with the Russian mission leave the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orban stated in a post on X that the individuals had engaged in actions deemed "unacceptable" under the Vienna Convention.</p><p>"Acting on my instructions, on Tuesday the relevant official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Russian ambassador to Hungary that, according to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary," she declared in the post.</p><p>Orban clarified that Hungary is not severing diplomatic relations with Russia. "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," she said.</p><p>The Russian Foreign Ministry, in comments to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti, stated it would provide "an appropriate response" to the expulsions. Hungary is a member of the European Union.</p><p>European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand acknowledged Hungary’s decision, noting it was a legitimate response to "Russia’s persistent campaign in using hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states."</p><p>Hungary is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), of which the U.S. is a founding member.</p>