Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as Budapest hardens stance on Moscow
Peter Magyar’s government says the expulsions protect Hungary’s security and sovereignty while preserving diplomatic ties with Russia.
Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats over activities it said were unacceptable under the Vienna Convention, marking a sharp change in Budapest’s approach to Moscow.
Foreign Minister Anita Orban said the decision was intended to protect Hungary’s national security and sovereignty. The government has not publicly detailed the diplomats’ alleged activities, although the wording is widely understood to refer to alleged espionage.
Orban said Hungary would retain diplomatic relations with Russia and continue dialogue based on mutual respect and international rules. The move nevertheless reverses the close Russia policy associated with former prime minister Viktor Orban.
Deutsche Welle reported that the decision follows Peter Magyar’s government declaring Russia a national-security threat and adopting a stronger European and NATO orientation, including criticism of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Hungary had previously faced criticism over alleged Russian intelligence activity, including around the International Investment Bank, which left the country after US sanctions in 2023.
Russia condemned the expulsions and threatened a “hard and painful” response. Russian lawmaker Andrey Kolesnik said halting gas supplies to Hungary should be considered, but no decision to cut supplies has been announced.
