Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as it shifts away from previous pro-Moscow stance

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – Hungary ordered 10 members of Russia's diplomatic mission in Budapest to leave the country over activities deemed unacceptable, authorities stated Tuesday, signaling a shift away from the previous administration's warm relations with Moscow.

What happened

For context, the Russian ambassador was informed that "according to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention, " Foreign Minister Anita Orbán remarked.

That is a reference to an international treaty that governs the conduct of diplomats. According to Russia, it planned to respond.

Meanwhile, the expulsions come months after Hungary's Prime Minister Peter Magyar was sworn in on a promise to tackle corruption and dismantle the power structures left behind by his predecessor Viktor Orbán. This person governed the European Union country for 16 years.

The bottom line

In short, hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as it shifts away from previous pro is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.