Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Zakharova said on the 8th that Russia will respond harshly to Hungary's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats. RIA Novosti quoted Zakharova as reporting that in response to Hungary's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats, Russia's response would be “tough and painful for Hungary.” She did not specify what kind of response the Russian side will make. Russian Federation Council Vice Chairman Kosachev said that any eviction is unfriendly. Such a “collective” eviction is an extremely unfriendly confrontational act. It is an open challenge, and will inevitably trigger a reciprocal response from the Russian side.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Zakharova said on the 8th that Russia will respond harshly to Hungary's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats. RIA Novosti quoted Zakharova as reporting that in response to Hungary's expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats, Russia's response would be “tough and painful for Hungary.” She did not specify what kind of response the Russian side will make. Russian Federation Council Vice Chairman Kosachev said that any eviction is unfriendly. Such a “collective” eviction is an extremely unfriendly confrontational act. It is an open challenge, and will inevitably trigger a reciprocal response from the Russian side.