Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

Diplomatic etiquette would normally classify the recall of an ambassador for “consultations” as a middle-order symbol of displeasure. During the cold war, the summoning, or withdrawal, of an ambassador was mundane. More recently, Hungary pulled its ambassador from the Netherlands in 2017, in response to criticism by the outgoing Dutch ambassador in Hungary. (The Guardian)

History buffs note that the recall of an ambassador, or of the Chief of a Diplomatic Mission, is the indication of extreme displeasure and disagreement from one country with the actions/decisions/statements of another. (NZ Herald)

The withdrawal of an ambassador does not break diplomatic relations -- the rest of the ambassador's embassy remains in place and continues working. (Quora)

The withdrawal of an ambassador, or a diplomatic mission, is one of the strongest signals a country can give of its displeasure. (politics.co.uk)

There are other ways, however, of showing diplomatic anger. One of the most common is the withdrawal of an ambassador ‘for consultations.’ This is a signal that stops short of a formal break in diplomatic relations but makes clear that a government finds the behaviour of another government unacceptable. (Diplomat Magazine)