# Hungary-Russia diplomatic tension escalation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-russia-diplomatic-tension-escalation > Updated: 2026-09-15T16:39:47.000Z. Sources: 64. Developments: 4. Following a transition to a new government led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, Hungary has implemented a significant shift in foreign policy, moving away from the pro-Russian stances of the previous administration. The current government has officially designated Russia as a threat to Hungarian national security and has condemned the war in Ukraine. In a major diplomatic escalation, the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expelled ten Russian diplomats, citing activities deemed ‘inacceptable for diplomats according to the Vienna Convention.’ Foreign Minister Anita Orbán stated the decision was necessary to protect Hungary’s sovereignty and security, suggesting the individuals were involved in intelligence activities. She clarified that Hungary does not intend to sever diplomatic relations and wishes to maintain dialogue based on mutual respect and international rules. Russia has responded by promising a ‘harsh and painful’ response. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow is ‘one hundred percent’ certain a response will occur, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that these ‘unfriendly steps’ could negatively impact bilateral relations. Potential retaliatory measures under discussion include the expulsion of further diplomatic personnel or the restriction or closure of Hungarian diplomatic missions, such as the consulate in Yekaterinburg. While Hungary has historically relied on Russian energy, the new administration has expressed a willingness to explore alternative partnerships, such as discussions with Latvia regarding Baltic energy supplies. ## Claims - Hungary expelled ten Russian diplomats for activities incompatible with their diplomatic status under the Vienna Convention. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The expulsion does not signify a termination of diplomatic relations with Russia. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Hungarian government has declared Russia a threat to its national security. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new government led by Péter Magyar assumed office in May 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Russia vows retaliation following Hungarian expulsion of diplomats Russia vows to retaliate against Hungary following the expulsion of ten Russian diplomats, with potential measures including the closure of Hungarian diplomatic missions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-vows-retaliation-following-hungarian-expulsion-of-diplomats ### 2026-09-13: Hungary expels ten Russian diplomats in major policy shift Hungary has expelled ten Russian diplomats for activities violating the Vienna Convention, signaling a major policy shift under the new government led by Péter Magyar. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-expels-ten-russian-diplomats-amid-policy-shift ### 2026-09-10: Hungary expels ten Russian diplomats amid foreign policy shift Hungary has expelled ten Russian diplomats over suspected intelligence activities, marking a sharp pivot in foreign policy under Prime Minister Péter Magyar and increasing tensions with Moscow. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-expels-ten-russian-diplomats-amid-foreign-policy-shift ### 2026-09-08: Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, prompting Moscow's threat of response Hungary has expelled 10 Russian diplomats for activities incompatible with the Vienna Convention, marking a major policy shift from its previous pro-Russian stance. Moscow has promised a harsh response. 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hungary-orders-10-russian-diplomats-to-leave-the-country --- Cite as: Hungary-Russia diplomatic tension escalation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hungary-russia-diplomatic-tension-escalation