Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Amid Espionage Allegations

Hungary's Foreign Ministry announced the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats on suspicion of espionage, a dramatic reversal of the country's long-standing pro-Moscow foreign policy.

The move comes under Prime Minister Peter Magyar, whose government took office in early May 2026, replacing the decade-long rule of Viktor Orban. Magyar's administration has been systematically dismantling Orban-era ties with Russia.

According to Budapest, the expelled diplomats were operating under diplomatic cover while conducting intelligence gathering activities on Hungarian soil and within NATO structures.

Moscow reacted sharply to the expulsion, with the Russian Foreign Ministry summoning the Hungarian ambassador and warning of retaliatory measures. Russian officials floated the possibility of suspending gas supplies to Hungary — a significant threat given Hungary's historical energy dependence on Russian gas.

The Hungarian government stated it would not be deterred by Moscow's threats, calling the expulsions a necessary step to safeguard national security.