Hungary Expels Ten Russian Diplomats in One Go, Russia Issues Stern Warning
On September 8, the Hungarian government announced the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats. According to Hungary’s foreign minister, these staff members at the Russian embassy in Budapest were engaged in unacceptable activities that violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Budapest formally notified Russia’s ambassador, demanding the individuals leave Hungarian territory.
The Hungarian government stressed the move aimed to safeguard its national security and sovereignty, yet it did not amount to breaking off diplomatic ties with Russia. Hungary intended to keep necessary channels of dialogue open, based on mutual respect and established rules. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, hit back, vowing a harsh, painful response to what Moscow called anti‑Russia lobbying forces in Budapest and threatening counter‑measures.
A few key observations can be drawn from this incident. For one thing, this marks Hungary’s first‑ever large‑scale public expulsion of Russian diplomats. Hardly any comparable measures had been taken before. It also stands as the biggest single‑round expulsion announced by a European country in the past two years. Since the outbreak of the Russia‑Ukraine conflict in 2022, European states have expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats and intelligence operatives in total.
Secondly, the incident signals a major shift in Hungary’s stance toward Russia. Former prime minister Viktor Orbán held office for 16 years and maintained close ties with Moscow. He repeatedly blocked EU‑led sanctions against Russia and aid packages for Ukraine within the bloc. By taking this step, the new government has made clear its tilt toward the European Union and NATO.
Thirdly, when Hungary accuses diplomats of “unacceptable activities”, it generally points to espionage or meddling in internal affairs. Under Orbán’s administration, Hungary never expelled any Russian diplomats and arguably offered considerable leeway for Russian influence operations.
Finally, what form might Russia’s retaliation take? Zakharova’s tough rhetoric does not translate to military strikes or extreme violent action. The label “anti‑Russia forces” is Moscow’s blanket term for European governments, politicians, media outlets and think‑tanks that criticise, sanction or expel Russian personnel.
By branding Magyar’s government and its policy decisions as anti‑Russian lobbying, Zakharova discredits Budapest. Moscow frames Hungary’s sovereign policy choice not as a legitimate state decision, but work driven by anti‑Russian elements. Threats of a “harsh, painful response” serve two purposes: to deter further moves from Hungary, and to project a tough stance for domestic Russian audiences, showing Russia will not back down.
Nearly every time a European country carries out large‑scale expulsions of Russian diplomats, Zakharova or the Russian Foreign Ministry issues warnings of severe consequences. In most real‑world cases, however, Moscow only responds with reciprocal diplomat expulsions, stopping short of more drastic steps.
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