Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats, Moscow Vows 'Painful' Response Viktor Orban's influence on Hungarian politics has waned in recent months, leading to a more assertive posture towards Russia.
This week's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats marks a significant shift away from the cozy relationship that defined Orban's tenure as prime minister.
Orban's affinity for Putin was always about pragmatic politics, not ideological conviction. He used his close ties with Moscow to secure economic benefits for Hungary, including cheap energy imports from Russia.