Hungary has expressed regret at the decision to recall the Russian ambassador in Budapest for consultations, but has said it will not take any retaliatory measures against Russia.

A foreign ministry spokesman Gabor Horvath said the move was unjustifiable and that Hungary remained committed to good relations with Moscow.

Relations between the two countries soured after Hungary -- which recently joined NATO -- delayed a Russian convoy with humanitarian aid for Serbia at the Ukrainian border for two days. The Hungarian authorities insisted that the convoy remove vehicles that could be used for military purposes and surrender part of its diesel fuel. Russia has also asked for a planned visit to Moscow by the Hungarian Foreign Minister, Janos Martonyi, to be postponed indefinitely.