Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Amid Worsening Relations

Tue Sep 08 2026 18:03:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hungary removes ten Russian diplomats, signalling a sharp pivot from its historic pro‑Moscow stance.

Hungary’s foreign minister ordered the departure of ten Russian diplomats from Budapest in a move that underscores the country’s shift away from Viktor Orbán’s pro‑Kremlin policies after his 2024 election defeat. The expulsions, described as a defense of national security, are not a break in diplomatic ties, but a clear stance against activities deemed unacceptable by the Hungarian government. Moscow is expected to respond “harshly and painfull”, a threat echoing recent tit‑for‑tat moves across Europe. The action follows Hungary’s renewed calls for an end to the war in Ukraine and closer scrutiny of Russian espionage on Hungarian soil.

Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Amid Worsening Relations

Fenced building in Budapest — AFP via Getty Images

In a move that signals a turning point in its foreign policy, Hungary’s foreign minister Anita Orbán announced that ten Russian diplomats have been ordered to leave Budapest over activities she called "unacceptable". The decision, posted on the minister’s social media, does not equal a severing of diplomatic ties, she clarified.

Hungary was once regarded as Russia’s closest ally in the EU under Viktor Orbán, but the new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has since pivoted away from that pro‑Kremlin stance. The expulsions come after Hungary’s call for an end to the war in Ukraine and renewed scrutiny of Russian espionage on Hungarian soil.

The Russian embassy in Moscow has warned that the response to the expulsion will be "harsh and painful". An embassy spokeswoman said the move targets diplomats involved in "unacceptable" activities, while Moscow is expected to consider a tit‑for‑tat measure.

Magyar’s government had already broken with the previous Fidesz‑era policies, outlining that Russia’s conduct in Ukraine threatens Hungary, Europe and the global order, and endangers the Hungarian minority in Transcarpathia.

The expulsions underscore a broad shift in Hungary’s foreign policy. While Hungary seeks non‑violent cooperation with Moscow, the expulsion of ten diplomats is a clear statement that the country will not tolerating espionage or destabilising activities within its borders.