Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Over Unacceptable Activities

Hungary expelled 10 Russian diplomats on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, stating they had engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status.

Foreign Minister Anita Orbán announced the decision, which she said was intended to protect Hungary's security and sovereignty. Russia's Foreign Ministry vowed a harsh and painful response, calling the move an extremely unfriendly step. The expulsion marks a shift from the policies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintained close ties with Russia. The new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar has stated that Hungary's primary alliances are with the European Union and NATO.

Russia's ambassador to Budapest, Evgeny Stanislavov, rejected suggestions that dialogue channels would remain open. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry stated that the decision does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations and that Hungary intends to continue necessary dialogue. Russia's investigative outlet Agentstvo had previously reported that nearly one-third of the Russian embassy's staff in Budapest had links to Russian intelligence.