Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats

Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats

Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country for engaging in what it calls unacceptable activities.

Its Foreign Minister Anita Orban posted on social media on Tuesday that "10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention."

No further details were disclosed.

On the same day, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar told parliament that his country will not tolerate anyone endangering its sovereignty, freedom and independence.

Hungary's current government replaced a pro-Russia administration following elections in April. The previous government had been in power for 16 years.

Since taking power, the country's new prime minister has been working to mend ties with Ukraine and the European Union.

The Associated Press says that Budapest is signaling a shift away from the previous administration's warm relations with Moscow.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency quoted Moscow's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova as saying, "The response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful."