NATO Member Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions

Hungary has ordered 10 people attached to Russia’s diplomatic mission to leave the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Orban — who is not related to former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban — said in a post on X that the individuals were involved in conduct Hungary considers “unacceptable” under the Vienna Convention.

“On my instruction, the relevant official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Russian ambassador to Hungary on Tuesday that Hungarian authorities had determined that 10 members of the Russian mission carried out activities in Hungary that are not acceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. For that reason, Hungary has requested that the individuals concerned depart the country,” she wrote.

Orban stressed, however, that the move does not amount to a severing of diplomatic ties with Moscow.

“This decision is intended to safeguard Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not mean diplomatic relations with Russia are being broken off. Hungary will continue the necessary dialogue, grounded in mutual respect and observance of the rules,” she said in the post.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry, in comments to Russia’s state news agency RIA Novosti, vowed to provide “an appropriate response” to the expulsions.

Hungary is a member of the European Union.

European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand said Tuesday that “we take note of Hungary’s legitimate decision” to expel the Russian diplomats.

Wigand noted that the move was an expected response due to “Russia’s persistent campaign in using hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.”

Hungary is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), of which the U.S. is a founding member.