Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats in first diplomatic removal since 2018
Foreign Minister Anita Orban ordered 10 Russian embassy personnel to leave Budapest for activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention, prompting Moscow to warn of retaliation.
Expulsion order in Budapest
Hungarian authorities ordered 10 members of the Russian diplomatic mission to leave the country on Tuesday, citing activities incompatible with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Anita Orban announced that the ministry instructed its representatives to notify the Russian ambassador in Budapest of the decision. According to the Hungarian foreign ministry website, the Russian embassy accredited 47 diplomatic staff members prior to the order.
The government did not release the specific allegations or the job titles of the 10 expelled officials, nor did it state a public deadline for their departure. Under Article 9 of the Vienna Convention, receiving states hold the legal authority to declare any member of a diplomatic mission persona non grata without providing detailed public justifications. Hungarian officials framed the measure as an action to protect national sovereignty and state security.
Foreign policy turn under Magyar
The expulsion is Hungary's first public removal of Russian diplomats since 2018. Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, numerous European governments expelled Russian envoys, whereas the administration of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban dismissed none. Viktor Orban held power for 16 years until losing office in April 2026. During his tenure, his cabinet continued purchasing Russian energy, delayed European Union sanctions packages, and held up a €90 billion ($97 billion) EU financial package for Ukraine.
The centre-right government of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which took office in May 2026, has reoriented Hungarian foreign relations toward the European Union and NATO alliances. Magyar stated on social media that the country was defending its sovereignty through the decision. In late August 2026, the Hungarian government classified Russia as a security threat. The move follows initial diplomatic changes in May 2026, when Anita Orban summoned the Russian ambassador shortly after taking office, an action last taken by her predecessor Peter Szijjarto in February 2022.
- Hungary executes its last public expulsion of Russian diplomats prior to 2026.
- Russia invades Ukraine; Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto summons Russian envoy for the last time under Viktor Orban.
- Viktor Orban is voted out of office after 16 years as prime minister.
- Peter Magyar takes office, and Anita Orban summons the Russian ambassador.
- Hungary officially classifies Russia as a security threat.
- Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave under the Vienna Convention.
Moscow reaction and bilateral channels
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it would retaliate against Budapest, with ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stating that the Russian response would be hard and painful. Despite the expulsion, the Hungarian government stated that it does not intend to sever formal ties with Moscow. Anita Orban indicated that Budapest aims to maintain necessary channels of communication grounded in mutual respect and compliance with diplomatic rules.
This decision does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue.
In a parliamentary hearing in May 2026, Anita Orban stated that Russia would remain a partner, but argued that bilateral relations could not rest on one-sided dependency. She told lawmakers that Russian foreign policy represents a security challenge for both Hungary and the wider European continent.
