Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, Moscow promises harsh response
Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats, citing security and sovereignty concerns, while maintaining that it is not severing diplomatic ties. Russia has responded by promising a harsh and painful retaliation to the move.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift in Hungary's diplomatic stance toward Russia, potentially signaling a cooling of relations between a previously friendly EU member and Moscow.
Russia promises ‘harsh and painful’ response following Hungary’s expulsion of its diplomats.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A view of the Russian embassy in Budapest, Hungary, September 8, 2026. [Bernadett Szabo/Reuters] By AFP and Reuters Published On 8 Sep 2026 8 Sep 2026 Hungary has ordered 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country, accusing them of “unacceptable” activities that it says are incompatible with their diplomatic status.
Anita Orban, Hungary’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said on Tuesday that the decision to protect “Hungary’s security and sovereignty” does not mean the country is “breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia”.
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