Overview
- Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán ordered 10 members of Russia’s diplomatic mission to leave on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, saying they engaged in activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention.
- Moscow vowed a “harsh and painful” response through Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and state media reported that reciprocal steps or cuts to joint economic projects are possible.
- Budapest stressed the expulsions are meant to protect national security and do not sever diplomatic relations, and officials said necessary dialogue with Russia will continue.
- The decision reflects a policy shift under Prime Minister Péter Magyar away from the pro‑Russia posture of Viktor Orbán’s government and follows investigative reporting and a quiet May expulsion of a Russian intelligence officer.
- The European Commission said it takes note and will coordinate with Hungary, and observers say the case could prompt further EU and NATO scrutiny of alleged Russian intelligence and hybrid activities in member states.