Hungary Expels Ten Russian Diplomats Over 'Unacceptable' Activities, Moscow Threatens Retaliation
Hungary has ordered ten Russian diplomats to leave, citing unacceptable actions, with Russia vowing a strong response as diplomatic tensions escalate between the two countries.
By Mei-Ling Chao · First published 8 Sept 2026
In brief
- Hungary expelled ten Russian diplomats from Budapest, citing unacceptable activities and a need to enhance national security.
- This is Hungary's first expulsion of Russian diplomats since 2018, marking a major shift in foreign policy.
- The new pro-European government under Péter Magyar is moving away from the previous pro-Kremlin stance.
- The European Commission has welcomed Hungary's decision, seeing it as consistent with broader EU concerns about Russia.
- Russia has threatened harsh retaliation, but the nature of its response remains unclear.
Timeline · 4 moments
Hungary orders ten Russian diplomats to leave the country
ABC Top Stories ↗Russian Foreign Ministry threatens retaliation against Hungary
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und Debatten ↗Hungarian government cites unacceptable activities as reason for expulsions
SVT ↗Expulsions signal end to pro-Russian era under former PM Orban
South China Morning Post ↗Update 8 Sept 2026, 4:31 pm UTC
Hungary's expulsion of ten Russian diplomats is now confirmed as the first such move since 2018, with the new government signaling a clear shift toward EU alignment. The European Commission welcomed the decision, highlighting its significance for EU-Russia relations. Moscow's promised retaliation remains unspecified.
How it started
For years, Hungary maintained comparatively close relations with Russia, even as other European countries took a tougher line. This relationship came under scrutiny, particularly regarding alleged Russian intelligence activities in Hungary.
The situation changed after the election of Péter Magyar as Hungary's new prime minister. The new government signaled a different stance, focusing on protecting national security and sovereignty.
How it unfolded
On September 8, 2026, Hungary announced the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats. The government cited their 'unacceptable' activities as the reason for their removal, without providing specific details about what those activities were.
The diplomats were ordered to leave the country, and the Hungarian authorities emphasized that the decision was necessary to safeguard national interests. This move represented a sharp break from the approach of former prime minister Viktor Orban, who was known for his pro-Russian policies.
Russia reacted quickly and strongly. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned Hungary's decision and promised a harsh response. Russian officials described the action as a major escalation and warned that retaliation would follow.
The expulsions and the threat of retaliation became widely reported in international media, highlighting the diplomatic rift and signaling that Hungary's new government was willing to confront Moscow more directly.
Where it stands
As of now, ten Russian diplomats have been expelled from Hungary. The Russian government has promised a response, but the specific nature of that retaliation has not yet been made public.
Diplomatic relations between Hungary and Russia are tense, and both countries are preparing for possible further measures. The situation remains fluid, with observers watching for Moscow's next move.
What to watch
The key question is how Russia will respond to Hungary's expulsions. Any retaliatory measures could further strain relations and affect Hungary's position within the broader European context.
Hungary's new approach may also influence how other countries in the region handle their own diplomatic disputes with Russia.
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