Hungary Expels 10 Russian Diplomats Over Vienna Convention Violations, Cites Security Concerns

Hungary has ordered 10 individuals affiliated with the Russian diplomatic mission to depart the country, accusing them of engaging in activities deemed unacceptable under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orban announced the decision in a post on X, stating that the Hungarian authorities determined the individuals’ actions violated diplomatic protocol. “Acting on my instructions, on Tuesday the relevant official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Russian ambassador to Hungary that, according to the assessment of the Hungarian authorities, 10 members of the Russian mission had engaged in activities in Hungary that are unacceptable for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. The Hungarian side has therefore called on the individuals in question to leave Hungary,” she declared.

RUSSIA’S SHADOW WAR IS PUTTING EUROPE ON EDGE AS GERMANY CONFRONTS A GROWING THREAT

28 July 2026, Bavaria, Bad Staffelstein: Anita Orbán, Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is sitting in the conference room on the second and final day of the CSU state group’s summer retreat. (Daniel Vogl/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Orban emphasized that the expulsions do not signify a severing of diplomatic ties with Russia, adding, “This decision protects Hungary’s security and sovereignty. It does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue the necessary dialogue, based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules.”

HUNGARY’S NEW LEADER ONCE IDOLIZED ORBÁN — NOW HE’S THE MAN WHO BROUGHT HIM DOWN

Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar speaks during doorstep statements within the annual NATO Summit at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on July 8, 2026. (Altan Gocher / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)

The Russian Foreign Ministry responded via state news agency RIA Novosti, vowing to provide “an appropriate response” to Hungary’s actions. As an EU and NATO member, Hungary’s decision underscores growing tensions in the region amid Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

RUSSIA’S QUIETER NUCLEAR SUBMARINES THREATEN NATO, FORMER COMMANDER WARNS

In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in Moscow on Sept. 5, 2026. (Gavriil GRIGOROV / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

The European Commission acknowledged Hungary’s move, with spokesperson Christian Wigand noting it aligns with the EU’s response to Russia’s “persistent campaign in using hybrid attacks against the EU and its member states.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.

Source link