Hungary expels ten Russian diplomats over security threat

Hungary has decided to expel ten Russian diplomats over activities that Budapest deemed incompatible with their diplomatic status. The decision became one of the most notable steps of the new Hungarian government toward Russia after many years of close relations between Budapest and Moscow.

This was announced on September 8 by Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán.

According to her, the decision was made to protect Hungary's national security and sovereignty. The Hungarian side deemed the activities of Russian diplomats as not in line with the norms of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Hungarian authorities did not disclose what specific actions they accuse the representatives of the Russian diplomatic mission of, nor did they say how much time they were given to leave the country.

At the same time, Orbán stressed that Budapest does not intend to sever diplomatic relations with Moscow and is ready to maintain lines of communication on condition of mutual respect.

The Russian Foreign Ministry in response said that Moscow will take "appropriate measures," but gave no details of a possible reaction.

Hungary changes policy toward Russia

The large-scale expulsion of diplomats comes after a change of government in Hungary. The new government of Prime Minister Péter Magyar, which came to power in May 2026, began a review of the country's foreign policy course.

In late August, the Hungarian government for the first time directly called Russia a threat. In a document prepared for the UN General Assembly, Budapest condemned Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine and stated its intention to strengthen cooperation with EU and NATO allies. 

The Hungarian Foreign Ministry also began developing a new foreign policy strategy after the change of government. Anita Orbán said that Budapest should remain a reliable partner in its alliances and expects other states not to interfere in internal affairs and to respect Hungarian sovereignty.

Under Orbán Budapest maintained close ties with Moscow

Under previous Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary remained one of the most Moscow-friendly countries in the European Union. Budapest repeatedly blocked or delayed EU decisions on sanctions and support for Ukraine, while maintaining significant dependence on Russian energy resources.

After the new government came to power, policy began to change. The expulsion of ten diplomats at once became the harshest diplomatic step by Budapest toward Moscow so far.

Based on materials from: Associated Press, DW, Government of Hungary