(BUDAPEST, HUNGARY) – Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats from its territory for “unacceptable activities” on Tuesday. Moscow is now threatening Budapest with a harsh and painful response, while the European Union has called the decision legitimate.
The Hungarian government said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had informed the Russian ambassador to Hungary about the decision to expel the Russian diplomats. Ten members of the Russian mission engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary. This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia.
Although Budapest did not reveal why the diplomats were being removed, independent Russian investigative news outlet Agentstvo reported in April that almost half of the employees of the Russian embassy in Budapest had intelligence connections. The journalists identified 15 of the 47 employees who had proven ties to Russian intelligence services, while another six were suspected of having ties.
In response to Hungary’s decision, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that it would retaliate against the expulsion. Moscow’s response would be very harsh and painful for Budapest, the Interfax news agency reported.
Meanwhile, at least two people were killed and 10 wounded overnight in a large scale Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region. Russia resumed strikes on the Ukrainian capital following a three day pause during a recent visit by US special envoys.
Ukrainian authorities say Russia launched 32 cruise missiles into Ukrainian territory and 166 drones, of which at least 50 per cent were hybrid cruise missile and drone jet powered systems known as Banderoll drones, which are much harder for the Ukrainian air force to intercept. At least two ballistic missiles were also launched by Russia, which are significantly harder to intercept than cruise missiles.
President Zelensky following the attack on Tuesday said that he would be having more meetings with allies today and over the coming days to try and secure more support in the field of air defence as Ukraine heads towards the cold winter months, with Ukrainians bracing themselves for more Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
In other news, the British government announced a £100 million air defence package for Ukraine on Tuesday as Kyiv readies for Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure over the approaching winter. The package includes Patriot missiles, artillery and drones. The announcement comes as ministers from over 50 countries are set to meet with the Ukrainian defence minister for another meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
Ukraine says it needs around 300 Patriot interceptors to get through the year, but Western stocks are already heavily depleted. Kyiv says the speed of deliveries is now just as important as the overall volume.
The price of natural gas has hit €75 per megawatt hour, its highest level in more than three years. The uptick comes as Europe’s reserves are at their lowest in years, at under 70 percent, which is 16 percent lower than the five year average.
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