Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats amid policy shift

Hungary has announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats, signaling a major realignment in the Central European nation's foreign policy toward Moscow. The move represents a sharp break from Budapest's previous stance as one of Russia's staunchest supporters within the European Union.

For years, Hungary distinguished itself among EU member states through its close alignment with Kremlin interests, often obstructing collective European measures on Russian matters. However, the current government has fundamentally repositioned the country's diplomatic approach, bringing it into greater alignment with broader Western policy on Russia.

The expulsion order underscores deepening tensions between Budapest and Moscow, reversing the relatively warm relationship that had characterized their dealings in recent years. This shift reflects broader geopolitical realignments in Central Europe and Hungary's recalibration of its international partnerships.

The diplomatic rupture signals Hungary's evolving position within European institutional frameworks and its adjustment to changing security dynamics in the region. The expulsion is expected to further strain bilateral relations that have already shown signs of deterioration.