Kremlin Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Hungarian authorities’ decision to expel 10 Russian diplomats from the country would have a negative impact on bilateral relations as a whole and would be met with an appropriate response.
“Budapest’s decision will undoubtedly have a negative impact. This will certainly have negative consequences for the entire spectrum of our bilateral relations… As for this particular decision, it will be met with an appropriate response. These actions will not go unanswered,” Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
The Kremlin spokesman also stressed that Russia remains open to further development of relations with Hungary.
“We are interested in this and do not intend to harm in any way the valuable heritage and experience of our bilateral relations with our Hungarian partners,” he added.
Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats
Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced on Tuesday that the Hungarian Foreign Ministry had ordered 10 Russian diplomats who “engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention” to leave the country.
The head of Hungarian diplomacy did not specify when the diplomats would leave Hungary, nor did she specify the nature of their actions.
According to Anita Orbán, this does not mean a break in diplomatic relations with Russia.
“Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules,” she added.
Hungarian media say an expulsion on this scale is unprecedented, as never before have so many Russian diplomats been sent home from the country.
Zakharova announced a “harsh and painful” response
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, also reacted to Hungary’s move.
“The response to Hungary’s decision to expel 10 Russian diplomats will be harsh and painful,” she said.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman described Hungary’s actions as the work of a “Russophobic lobby in Budapest.”
