Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Since the Moscow-friendly former PM Victor Orbán lost the election in April, Hungary has listed Russia as a security threat.
Officials in Budapest have ordered ten Russian diplomats to pack their bags immediately.
Hungary’s Foreign Minister Anita Orbán confirmed that the government stripped the personnel of their diplomatic status after discovering actions incompatible with their official roles.
The announcement marks one of the most direct diplomatic actions taken by the country in recent years.
Not breaking off relations
In a post on X, Anita Orbán explained that the 10 expelled members of the Russian diplomatic mission had “engaged in activities that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention.”
She did not provide any details about what the diplomats have done, but the Vienna Convention outlines global rules for embassies, diplomats and diplomatic immunity.
For example, the convention outlines that diplomats are allowed to gather intelligence if they do so lawfully, and that the diplomats are not allowed to interfere in the internal affairs of the host state.
Despite the swift expulsion, the government insists that diplomatic channels will stay open. “This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules,” Orbán wrote.
The foreign minister stressed that Budapest wants to keep talking, provided both sides respect the established rules. Protecting national security remains the priority.
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A sharper stance
The dramatic expulsion reflects a major pivot in how the nation deals with Moscow. Under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, the new government has systematically tightened its posture toward Russian influence across all sectors. Things are changing fast.
That shift became clear when Budapest formally listed Russia as a direct security threat. Official instructions for the UN General Assembly published in August outlined the nation’s firm position, according to Der Spiegel.
“Hungary condemns Russian military aggression and fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” the official document stated. It added that “Russia’s behavior poses a threat to Hungary, Europe, and the global order.”
The political cleanup reaches beyond current policy decisions. Authorities in Budapest have also launched a criminal investigation into former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó over his alleged ties to Russia.
