Russian Spy Expelled from Hungary
Hungary expelled Artur Sushkov, a Russian intelligence officer operating under diplomatic cover, on May 4, 2026. The move came after Viktor Orban lost the parliamentary elections held on April 12. Sushkov, 36, served as third secretary at the Russian embassy in Budapest and was an agent of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. He had established connections with think tanks closely tied to the Hungarian government.
Sushkov’s Activities
Hungarian security services determined that Sushkov engaged in activities threatening national security. His work focused on infiltrating legal and foreign-policy think tanks linked to Hungarian authorities. Among the institutions he contacted were:
- Mathias Corvinus Collegium
- Hungarian Institute of International Affairs
- John Lukacs Institute of Strategy and Policy at Ludovika University of Public Service
The intelligence officer organized closed-door meetings, recruited informants, and showed particular interest in Hungary’s relations with Ukraine. Reports indicate that Sushkov had successfully begun recruiting at least three individuals. Counterintelligence had recommended expelling the diplomat as early as February 2026, but Viktor Orban’s government blocked the decision until after the elections.
The operation against Sushkov was carried out by Hungary’s Constitutional Protection Office in cooperation with the intelligence service of a NATO member country. Following Sushkov’s expulsion, at least ten identified or suspected Russian foreign intelligence officers remain at the Russian embassy in Budapest.
Sushkov’s expulsion may signal a shift in Hungary’s political direction, particularly as new leadership takes shape after the parliamentary elections.
This incident also highlights growing concerns about foreign intelligence activities in the country, which could affect Hungary’s future relations with Russia and its stance on Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. The significance of this event is likely to be examined both domestically and internationally, especially in the context of regional security.
The recent expulsion of Russian intelligence officer Artur Sushkov raises significant questions about Hungary's shifting political landscape, especially in light of the revealed communications between Hungarian and Russian officials. These discussions suggest a coordinated effort to undermine Ukraine-related initiatives, which could further impact Hungary's foreign policy direction under new leadership.