Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on Tuesday, September 15 that Russia would respond to Hungary’s decision to expel its diplomats, emphasizing that it is inappropriate to discuss specific deadlines for retaliatory measures.
“I can say one hundred percent that the answer will be given. I cannot specify which parameter it will affect at this time because this involves interdepartmental decisions,” Zakharova said during a briefing.
On September 8, Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats for activities allegedly unacceptable to diplomatic standards, without disclosing specific details. Orban noted that Hungary intends to continue dialogue with Russia.
Hungarian state media have begun softening their tone toward opposition figures and the European Union, but systemic changes remain years away.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Hungary’s expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats would not go unanswered, adding that Moscow remains interested in developing relations with Budapest and is open to further cooperation.
