Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Hungary Expels Ten Russian Diplomats, Prompting Retaliation Threat
Hungary told 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country.
Hungarian officials said the diplomats had done things that were not acceptable for diplomats.
They did not explain exactly what those activities were.
Hungary said it still wants to keep talking with Russia.
Russia warned that it would respond strongly.
The European Union supported Hungary’s decision.
The move is a change from Hungary’s previously close relationship with Russia.
The article’s opening sentence refers to Bucharest, but the rest of the report identifies Hungary and Budapest as the locations involved.
Hungary ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave over activities it called incompatible with diplomatic status.
Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the expulsions protect Hungary’s security and sovereignty but do not end ties with Moscow.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of a “harsh and painful” response.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Hungary would defend its sovereignty while continuing necessary dialogue with Russia.
The European Union backed Hungary’s decision and cited Russia’s alleged hybrid attacks against EU member states.
- Who
- Hungary, 10 Russian diplomats, Russia’s Foreign Ministry, and the European Union.
- What
- Hungary ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave, prompting Moscow to threaten retaliation.
- When
- The decision and Russian response were reported on Tuesday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The expulsions concern the Russian Embassy in Budapest, Hungary. The article’s opening sentence inconsistently refers to Bucharest.
- Why
- Hungary said the diplomats engaged in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status and that the decision would protect its security and sovereignty.
Hungary and European Union
Russia
Reason for the expulsions
Hungary and European Union
Hungary said the diplomats carried out activities incompatible with diplomatic status and that expelling them protects national security and sovereignty. The EU called the decision legitimate.
Russia
Russia characterized the action as a response to a “Russophobic lobby” in Budapest and warned that retaliation would be harsh and painful.
Future relations
Hungary and European Union
Hungary said it would not sever ties with Moscow and intended to continue necessary dialogue while maintaining its sovereignty.
Russia
Russia threatened retaliatory action, though the reported statements did not specify what measures it might take.
Broader security context
Hungary and European Union
The EU said Russia has maintained a campaign involving hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.
Russia
The Russian response rejected Hungary’s action as driven by anti-Russian sentiment, according to the reported characterization.
- Diplomats expelled
- 10 Russian diplomats
- Host country
- Hungary
- Russian response
- A “harsh and painful” retaliation was threatened.
- Hungarian position
- The expulsions do not mean Hungary is breaking diplomatic relations with Russia.
- European Union position
- The EU called the decision legitimate and expressed solidarity with Hungary.
- Activities cited
- Hungary described the diplomats’ activities as unacceptable under the Vienna Convention, without giving specifics.
- Reported location
- The Russian Embassy in Budapest