Investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi claimed that the incoming government led by Péter Magyar could soon receive a classified list of Russian intelligence operatives allegedly working in Hungary under diplomatic cover.
According to Panyi, Hungary’s counterintelligence services had already prepared a similar list for the government of Viktor Orbán shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, intelligence sources reportedly said the proposal to expel the diplomats received a “firm no”.
If accurate, the claims would mean Hungary remained one of the very few EU and NATO member states not to expel Russian diplomats following the invasion of Ukraine, in spite of widespread coordinated action across Europe.
“Quiet expulsions” allegedly became standard practice
In a Facebook post, Panyi said Hungary’s counterintelligence operations under the Orbán government relied heavily on so-called “quiet expulsions”. These operations allegedly involved discreetly sending suspected Russian spies home without public announcements in order to avoid provoking the Kremlin.
Panyi argued this approach may now change under the new administration. He pointed to the fact that the new Hungarian government had already summoned the Russian ambassador over a Russian drone strike in Transcarpathia during its first days in office.
According to the journalist, Hungarian security and intelligence sources claim the new government could soon obtain an updated list containing more than a dozen identified Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic cover in Budapest.
Russian intelligence networks allegedly remained largely untouched
The report claims that the residencies of Russia’s foreign intelligence service, the SVR, and military intelligence agency, the GRU, operating from the Russian Embassy on Bajza Street in Budapest, remained “almost completely untouched” in recent years.
Panyi also referred to two alleged “quiet expulsions” that had not previously received major publicity.
One involved Artur Sushkov, described as an SVR intelligence officer who was reportedly expelled on 4 May 2026. According to Panyi, Sushkov allegedly conducted intelligence-gathering activities around institutions including Mathias Corvinus Collegium, the Hungarian Institute of Foreign Affairs, and the National University of Public Service.
Another case reportedly took place on 20 June 2024, when Andrey Tarakanov, identified as a GRU officer operating under diplomatic cover as a third secretary, was allegedly sent back to Moscow. Panyi claimed Tarakanov had arrived in Hungary in August 2023 and was involved primarily in Russian influence operations targeting other EU member states rather than Hungary itself.
Budapest accused of becoming a logistical hub
The allegations revive longstanding concerns among Western security experts that Budapest has become a convenient operational base for Russian intelligence activity within the Schengen Area.
According to Panyi’s sources, the incoming government may now attempt to “patch the counterintelligence gap” within the EU and NATO security system by acting against suspected Russian operatives still working in Hungary under diplomatic status.
The claims have not been independently verified by Hungarian authorities, and no official government statement has yet been issued regarding the alleged intelligence list or potential expulsions.
Growing pressure on Hungary’s Russia policy
Hungary’s relationship with Russia has long drawn criticism from several European allies, particularly since the start of the war in Ukraine. While most EU countries significantly reduced Russian diplomatic presence after 2022, the Orbán government maintained relatively pragmatic ties with Moscow, especially in the areas of energy cooperation and diplomacy.
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