Russia Expels ‘Group’ of Hungarian Diplomats in Tit-for-Tat Move

Oct. 1, 2026 The Hungarian Embassy in Moscow. Denghu (CC BY 3.0) Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday it would expel an unspecified number of Hungarian diplomats in a tit-for-tat move. The move comes after Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said on Sept. 8 that Budapest was expelling 10 Russian diplomats for activities incompatible with their status. The wording is often used as a euphemism for spying. Moscow, which had vowed to retaliate, said it had summoned Hungary’s chargé d’affaires Gábor Gergics to lodge a “decisive protest” over the “groundless and openly unfriendly” expulsion. Staffers from Hungary’s Embassy in Moscow, as well as its consulates in St. Petersburg and Kazan, have been declared personae non gratae as a reciprocal measure, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday. They were given two weeks to leave Russia. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry said in a statement it acknowledged Russia's decision, adding: “Hungary is not interested in an escalation of diplomatic tension.” Hungary’s former Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, who in April was voted out of office after 16 years in power, had maintained close ties with Russia and President Vladimir Putin following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since taking office in May, Orbán’s successor Péter Magyar has sought to mend ties with the EU and Ukraine that were tense under his predecessor. Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Hungary , Diplomats Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Hungary’s Orban Urges EU Leader Michel to Restore Ties With Russia – Bild Orban also reportedly speculated that Donald Trump would “immediately be ready to act as a peace mediator” if he wins in November. 2 Min read Hungary’s Orban Tells EU that Putin, Xi Expect Ukraine Talks by End of 2024 – El Pais Orban has sparked the ire of the EU and the United States with his self-described peace mission to Ukraine, Russia and China. 2 Min read Kyiv, Allies Slam Orban for Ukraine Talks With Putin The visit came days after Hungary took over the EU's presidency and Putin told Orban he expected him to outline the position of EU countries on Ukraine... 3 Min read Orban Pledges Cooperation With Putin in Storm of Ukraine Crisis Orban traveled to Moscow despite criticism from both EU members and Hungary's opposition.