Russia is expelling Hungarian diplomats in response to Budapest's decision

Russia announced the expulsion of staff members from Hungary’s embassy and consulates general in response to Budapest’s decision to expel ten Russian diplomats.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Hungary’s chargé d’affaires, Gábor Gergich, and lodged a protest with him. Hungarian diplomats from the embassy in Moscow and the consulates general in St. Petersburg and Kazan must leave Russian territory within two weeks.

The Russian side did not specify the exact number of Hungarian diplomats affected by the decision.

The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it had taken note of Moscow’s decision. Budapest does not plan to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia—Hungarian diplomatic missions will continue to operate as usual.

The Hungarian ministry also emphasized that it is not interested in further escalating diplomatic tensions, but it is not backing down from its decision to expel Russian diplomats, which was made on the grounds of national security.

Source: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that his country had been included in the “Carpathian Eight” format created by Ukraine without being asked for consent.

Prior to that, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar stated that his country had not joined the “Carpathian Eight” regional format initiated by Ukraine. Speaking in parliament, Magyar noted that Budapest had received an invitation but, for valid reasons, had decided not to participate in the initiative. However, the head of the Hungarian government did not disclose the specific reasons behind this decision.