Russia announced the expulsion of several Hungarian diplomats in retaliation for Hungary’s previous expulsions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated today (1st) that since Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats last month, it will take retaliatory actions and expel several Hungarian diplomats.

"Reuters" reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry stated: "As a reciprocal countermeasure, a group of staff of the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow and the Consulate General in St. Petersburg and Kazan must leave the territory of the Russian Federation within two weeks."

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry responded in a statement that it had been informed of Russia's decision, adding: "Hungary has no intention of escalating diplomatic tensions."

When Hungary expelled Russian diplomats last month, accusing them of engaging in "behavior inconsistent with their status," a diplomatic euphemism for accusing them of espionage, the move marked the end of a pro-Russian era led by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has been in power for 16 years. He has a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and continues to purchase oil and natural gas from Russia in defiance of EU sanctions.

Hungary’s current Prime Minister Peter Magyar has repeatedly emphasized that Hungary’s core allies are the EU and NATO, and the new government’s goal is to rebuild trust.