Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats over 'unacceptable' activities
Hungary has ordered 10 members of Russia's diplomatic mission to leave the country over activities deemed "unacceptable for diplomats" under the Vienna Convention, Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said on Sept. 8.
Orbán said a Hungarian Foreign Ministry official informed the Russian ambassador of the decision on Tuesday following an assessment by Hungarian authorities.
"Ten members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention," Orbán said. "The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary."
She said the move was intended to protect Hungary's security and sovereignty but did not amount to breaking diplomatic relations with Moscow.
"Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules," Orbán said.
The expulsion comes after Prime Minister Péter Magyar's government formally identified Russia as a threat to Hungary, Europe and the international order in a recently adopted security directive.
The document also condemned Russia's war against Ukraine and reaffirmed Hungary's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.