Hungary quietly expels Russian diplomat suspected of espionage

Hungary has quietly expelled a Russian diplomat suspected of working as an intelligence officer under diplomatic cover, according to multiple government sources cited by VSquare.

The individual, identified as 36-year-old Artur Sushkov, served as third secretary at Russia’s embassy in Budapest. Hungarian authorities believe he is affiliated with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. He was required to leave the country with his wife on May 4, 2026.

Sources said the expulsion was delayed despite earlier recommendations from counterintelligence services, with political considerations cited as the reason. At the start of the year, Budapest reportedly sought to avoid escalating tensions with Moscow during an election campaign.

The decision was ultimately carried out in early May following political changes within Hungary.

According to Hungarian officials, the operation targeting Sushkov was conducted by the Constitution Protection Office, with support from the intelligence service of a NATO member state.

Sushkov is said to have attempted to establish links with several Hungarian analytical and policy institutions, including the Mathias Corvinus Collegium, the Institute of International Relations, and affiliated structures of the University of Public Service, where military personnel, law enforcement officers and intelligence officers are trained.

According to sources, his activities included seeking political information, focusing in part on Ukraine-related issues, and attempting to recruit informants.

Western intelligence sources also indicated that other staff at the Russian embassy in Budapest remain under suspicion of links to intelligence agencies.

By Tamilla Hasanova