Hungary Expels Russian Diplomat Linked to Espionage Activities

• •Hungary expelled Russian diplomat Artur Sushkov for espionage on May 4, 2026.
• •Sushkov infiltrated think tanks linked to the Orbán government to gather intelligence.
• •The expulsion was delayed due to political calculations during the election campaign.

Hungary expelled Russian diplomat Artur Sushkov on May 4, 2026, after identifying him as an undercover officer of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. Sushkov had infiltrated think tanks and academic institutions close to the Orbán government, attempting to gather political information and recruit informants. His expulsion was delayed due to political considerations during the election campaign, as the Orbán government sought to maintain ties with Moscow. Following Orbán's electoral defeat on April 12, 2026, Hungarian intelligence agencies acted to remove Sushkov. The operation was conducted by Hungary's Constitution Protection Office, with support from a NATO country’s intelligence service. Other Russian embassy staff remain under suspicion for similar activities. The case highlights the challenges faced by Hungary's intelligence services under previous political constraints.