Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as relations worsen

What the report says

Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, saying they were involved in activities the new government considers unacceptable. The announcement was made by Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, who said the move was intended to protect national security and sovereignty, while stressing that it does not amount to a break in diplomatic relations with Moscow. The expulsions come at a time when Budapest’s approach to Russia is shifting sharply.

According to the BBC, Hungary had long been seen as one of Russia’s closest allies inside the European Union under Viktor Orbán. Since the April election brought Péter Magyar’s Tisza party to power, the government has taken a more critical line, including stronger language about Russia’s war in Ukraine and concern for ethnic Hungarians in Ukraine’s Transcarpathia region. The foreign minister also previously summoned the Russian ambassador after a major drone attack on that area.

Moscow reacted angrily, warning of a harsh and painful response. The BBC notes that Russia has often denied using diplomatic missions for espionage, but accusations of intelligence activity have repeatedly shaped relations with European states since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Analysts cited by the broadcaster said any Russian retaliation could have wider consequences for Hungary’s diplomatic presence in Moscow. The development matters because it signals a major reset in a relationship that had been unusually close for years.