Russia Orders Hungarian Diplomats to Leave the Country

Russia has ordered Hungarian diplomats based in Moscow to leave the country. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced this decision on Thursday. The acting Hungarian ambassador to Moscow, Gabor Gargich, was summoned by the ministry, where he was informed of the decision. Staff at the Hungarian embassy in Moscow will be required to depart Russia. Additionally, personnel from Hungary’s consulates general in Saint Petersburg and Kazan must also return.

Earlier, on September 8, Hungary had instructed certain Russian diplomats to leave its territory. Russia strongly opposed Hungary’s demand, labeling it unfounded and unfriendly. This move by Russia is a retaliatory measure. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, “As a reciprocal action, a group of employees from the Hungarian embassy in Moscow, as well as the consulates general in Saint Petersburg and Kazan, must leave Russian territory within two weeks.”