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Russia Expels Hungarian Diplomats in Retaliatory Move After Earlier Ousters

Russia Expels Hungarian Diplomats in Retaliatory Move After Earlier Ousters
Russia expels Hungarian diplomats in tit-for-tat move · theprint.in

Russia and Hungary are having a disagreement involving their diplomats.

Russia ordered some Hungarian diplomats to leave the country.

This happened after Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats the previous month.

Hungary said the Russian diplomats had acted inappropriately for their jobs.

Such wording is often used to suggest spying.

Hungary’s Foreign Ministry said it did not want the disagreement to become worse.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government says Hungary is focusing on the European Union and NATO.

The moves mark a change from Viktor Orban’s close relationship with Russia.

Key facts

Russian action
An unspecified number of Hungarian diplomats must leave Russia within two weeks.
Earlier Hungarian action
Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats the previous month.
Hungarian response
Hungary said it acknowledged Russia’s decision and was not interested in escalating diplomatic tension.
Affected locations
Hungary’s embassy in Moscow and consulates general in St Petersburg and Kazan.
Reported implication
The diplomats’ alleged conduct was described in wording often used as code for spying.
Hungary’s alliances
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s government identifies the European Union and NATO as Hungary’s main alliances.

Quotes

Hungarian Foreign Ministry

Hungary’s government ministry responsible for foreign affairs

“As a reciprocal measure, a group of staff members from the Hungarian Embassy in Moscow and the Hungarian Consulates General in St Petersburg and Kazan must leave the territory of the Russian Federation within two weeks.”
theprint.in
“Hungary is not interested in an escalation of diplomatic tension.”
theprint.in

Sources

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