Russian Foreign Ministry announces expulsion of several Hungarian diplomats

The Russian Foreign Ministry today summoned Chargé d'affaires of Hungary Gabor Gergich. He was protested over the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Hungary. In response, Russia will send a group of employees of the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow, as well as the Consulates General of Hungary in St. Petersburg and Kazan.

Hungarian diplomats must leave Russia within two weeks, according to a press release from the Russian Ministry. Exactly how many people will be expelled is not specified. The actions of the Hungarian authorities in the Russian Foreign Ministry called “baseless and frankly unfriendly”.

On September 8, Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomatic staff. They were declared persona non grata because of their “activity unacceptable under the Vienna Convention.” These measures were also taken to ensure the security and sovereignty of Hungary. The Russian Foreign Ministry promised a tough response. The Kremlin said the expulsion of Russian diplomats would have a negative impact on relations between Moscow and Budapest.