Russia vows response to Hungary’s expulsion of 10 diplomats

Russia will respond to Hungary’s decision to expel 10 Russian diplomats, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, September 9, warning that the move would have a negative impact on bilateral relations.

“As for this particular decision, of course, there will be an adequate response to it. These actions will not go unanswered,” Peskov said at a briefing.

He described Budapest’s decision as an unfriendly step and said it would damage relations between Russia and Hungary.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban announced on September 8 that Budapest had ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country. She said the Russian ambassador had been informed that the diplomats had engaged in activities in Hungary incompatible with their diplomatic status under the Vienna Convention.

Orban said the diplomats had been instructed to leave Hungary. She stressed, however, that the decision did not amount to a break in diplomatic relations with Russia.

“Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue with Moscow on the basis of mutual respect and compliance with the rules,” she said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said the expulsions were intended to protect the country’s sovereignty.

By Tamilla Hasanova