Hungary has decided not to expel US Ambassador David Pressman, even as Washington continues to press Hungarian officials to back a peaceful, negotiated end to the war in Ukraine. The decision underscores a careful balance in Budapest between hospitality and a firm stance on sovereignty, while overseas partners push for a stronger, shared approach to de-escalation and diplomacy.
According to Tamás Menzer, who serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Bilateral Relations within Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country remains open and welcoming. He notes that Hungary has historically played the role of an accommodating host to foreign diplomats and stresses that expulsion is not the chosen path. The broader context involves a background where peace-oriented efforts, inclusive of ceasefires and ongoing talks, have faced persistent pressure from the United States to sustain support for measures aimed at ending the conflict. In this frame, the messaging from Budapest has focused on dialogue and adherence to national sovereignty as essential elements of any external diplomacy strategy.
On an April press briefing, US Ambassador David Pressman outlined that three leaders of the Russian-controlled International Investment Bank (IIB), which is headquartered in Budapest, are subject to U.S. sanctions. The ambassador also described a public information campaign in Budapest, featuring posters that call for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. The activity drew attention to the ongoing coordination between Warsaw-style sanctions and public messaging as part of a broader strategy to influence regional security dynamics.
In corresponding discussions, the Hungarian position was echoed by other senior officials who emphasized the importance of treating Hungary as a sovereign nation capable of determining its own foreign policy course. The dialogue highlighted an ongoing preference for peaceful resolution mechanisms, reinforcing Budapest’s commitment to balancing international expectations with national interests. The situation reflects a broader geopolitical landscape in which allied states aim to align on sanctions, diplomacy, and the European security framework, while Hungary seeks to navigate these pressures with procedural clarity and domestic consensus.