• Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats for activities deemed unacceptable.
• The move marks a shift from Hungary's previous pro-Russian stance under Viktor Orbán.
• Russia threatens a "harsh and painful" response to the expulsions.
• Hungary aims to maintain diplomatic relations while protecting its sovereignty.
• This is Hungary's first expulsion of Russian diplomats since 2018.

On September 8, Hungary ordered 10 members of the Russian diplomatic mission to leave the country, citing "unacceptable activities" that violate their diplomatic status under the Vienna Convention, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and India Times.

Foreign Minister Anita Orbán stated that this decision is aimed at protecting Hungary's security and sovereignty, while reinforcing that Hungary does not seek to sever diplomatic relations with Russia. "This decision does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia," she emphasized, aligning with the statements made by other sources discussing the situation, such as BBC and Al Jazeera.

Following the expulsions, Moscow promised a "harsh and painful" retaliation. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, "The response to the Russophobic lobby in Budapest will be harsh and painful," reflecting a significant shift in Hungary's diplomatic posture since the pro-Russian leadership of Viktor Orbán, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

This expulsion represents Hungary's first public removal of Russian diplomats since 2018 and follows a historical period where Hungary maintained close ties with Russia under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who lost power in April 2022, according to the reports by Le Monde, and BBC.