Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, Moscow vows retaliation

Sep 7, 2026

Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats for activities violating the Vienna Convention, marking a sharp foreign policy shift under new Prime Minister Peter Magyar. The move ends years of Russia-friendly policies maintained by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was ousted in April 2026. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova vowed a harsh and painful retaliation, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised the decision as timely and sensible.

Russian diplomat expulsions from Hungary

▪Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban clarified that the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia
▪Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban stated that the expelled Russian diplomats engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status under the Vienna Convention
▪The expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats on September 8, 2026, marks the first time Hungary has publicly expelled Russian diplomats since 2018
▪Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban announced on September 8, 2026, that Hungary ordered 10 staff members of Russia's diplomatic mission to leave the country

Peter Magyar government policies

▪During a parliamentary hearing in May 2026, Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban stated that Russia's policies pose a security challenge to Hungary and Europe
▪Hungary's government described Russia as a threat to Europe and the global order in guidelines for its delegation attending the UN General Assembly in September 2026
▪Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar and his centre-right government have repeatedly stated that Hungary's main alliances are the European Union and NATO

Russian retaliation threats

▪Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova promised that Moscow's retaliatory response to Hungary's diplomat expulsions would be harsh and painful
▪The Russian Foreign Ministry stated through local media and Interfax news agency that it would retaliate painfully against Hungary for the diplomat expulsions

Viktor Orban pro-Russia legacy

▪While many European countries expelled dozens of Russian diplomats after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Hungary under Viktor Orban expelled none
▪Under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Hungary continued buying Russian oil and gas, held up European Union sanctions on Russia, and blocked a €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine
▪Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who was swept from power in April 2026 after 16 years in office, maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Hungary-Ukraine relations improvement

▪Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha praised Hungary's decision to expel the Russian diplomats as very timely and sensible, stating it would strengthen Hungary's security
▪The new Hungarian government has moved to restore relations with Kyiv, linking the effort to protecting the rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia

Debatable claims

▪Hungary should fully align its foreign policy with the EU and NATO
▪Hungary should condition its support for Ukraine on the protection of Hungarian minority rights in Transcarpathia