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Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats

Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats, ending years of comparatively close relations under its former government.

Published by NUZE · Founded and edited by Halfdan Harring · Thursday, 10 September 2026

Summaries are written by NUZE from the day’s measured coverage across many newsrooms, with founder oversight.

What happened

Hungary ordered 10 members of Russia’s diplomatic mission to leave, saying their activities breached standards for diplomats. Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said the action protected security and sovereignty and would not end relations with Moscow. Russia called the move hostile and announced a harsh response.

Numbers

10 diplomatsOrdered to leave Hungary
16 yearsFormer government’s time in power
2022Russia’s full-scale Ukraine invasion

Questions

What rule did Hungary cite?: The government cited the Vienna Convention, the treaty governing diplomats’ conduct, and said its authorities had assessed the staff’s activities.
Why does this mark a change?: Viktor Orbán’s government kept close ties with Moscow for years and publicly expelled no Russian diplomats after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Why did Transcarpathia matter?: In May, Hungary summoned Russia’s ambassador after drone strikes on Ukraine’s western region, home to a sizeable Hungarian minority there.
How has the EU responded?: An EU spokesperson called Hungary’s decision legitimate and said the bloc would continue coordinating closely as the diplomatic dispute develops.

Support and opposition

Who supports this, and why

Hungarian government — Removing diplomats who breach diplomatic standards protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty while preserving necessary dialogue with Russia.