Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats over security concerns

Hungary has ordered 10 members of Russia's diplomatic mission to leave the country over activities it said were incompatible with their diplomatic status, Foreign Minister Anita Orban said on Tuesday.

The move marks a significant step by Budapest against Moscow, with Orban saying it was intended to protect Hungary's "security and sovereignty."

Why is Hungary expelling the diplomats?

Orban said a Hungarian Foreign Ministry official had informed the Russian ambassador that the 10 individuals had engaged in activities deemed "unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention."

She did not specify what the individuals were accused of doing.

Hungary's authorities had made the assessment before the government called on them to leave, Orban said.

"This decision protects Hungary's security and sovereignty," she wrote.

Does this mean a break with Russia?

Orban stressed that Hungary was not severing diplomatic relations with Moscow.

"It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia," she said, adding that Budapest intended to maintain "the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules."

Orban has served as Hungary's foreign minister and deputy prime minister since May, following the change of government under Prime Minister Peter Magyar.

The expulsion is nevertheless a notable deterioration in relations with Moscow, particularly given Hungary's previously close relationship with Russia under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban.