{
  "id": 6284482,
  "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, foreign minister says in major break from Viktor Orban era",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-foreign-minister-says-in-major",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T14:38:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/international/article-907975"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hungary expelled ten Russian diplomats on Tuesday, citing their actions as incompatible with diplomatic status, signaling a shift away from the pro-Russian era of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In response, Russia vowed retaliation for what it deemed an \"extremely unfriendly step.\"\n\nThe expelled diplomats were involved in activities deemed unacceptable under the Vienna Convention, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban. It is worth noting that Anita Orban, the current minister, is not related to Viktor Orban. The decision, she emphasized, does not entail severing diplomatic relations with Russia; rather, Hungary intends to maintain necessary dialogue.\n\nHowever, Russia's ambassador to Budapest, Evgeny Stanislavov, dismissed this assertion, stating that Hungary's actions represent an \"unprecedented and unjustified escalation\" and that Hungary's claims of open channels of dialogue and continued pragmatic cooperation hold no value. Stanislavov further asserted that Hungary's move is an \"unprecedented and unjustified escalation\" and that Hungary's claims of open channels of dialogue and continued pragmatic cooperation hold no value.\n\nUnder Viktor Orban, Hungary maintained close ties with Russia despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. During his tenure, Hungary continued to purchase Russian oil and gas, disregarded EU sanctions on Russia, and obstructed a €90 billion (US$97 billion) EU loan to Ukraine. Prior to Tuesday's expulsion, Hungary had not publicly recalled any Russian diplomats since 2018.\n\nNew Prime Minister Peter Magyar, leading a center-right government, has repeatedly affirmed that Hungary's primary alliances are the European Union and NATO, and that the government's objective is to rebuild trust eroded during Viktor Orban's rule. In a parliamentary hearing in May, Anita Orban maintained that Russia remains a partner, but their relationship cannot be based on one-sided dependency, noting that Moscow's policies pose a security challenge to Hungary and Europe.",
  "summary": "Hungary has announced plans to expel 10 Russian diplomats from the country. According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán, the diplomats had engaged in activities that are unacceptable under the Vienna Convention.\n\nThe decision was made to protect Hungary's security and sovereignty, and does not imply breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia. Hungary intends to continue a necessary dialogue with Russia based on mutual respect and adherence to the rules.\n\nThis move marks a significant departure from the country's previous stance, as the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had maintained close ties with Russia. The last time a Russian diplomatic mission employee was declared persona non grata in Hungary was in 2018, according to The Insider.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 13,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country over activities deemed unacceptable",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-orders-10-russian-diplomats-to-leave-the-country-over",
        "published": "2026-09-08T09:34:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News (US)",
        "title": "Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave country over 'unacceptable' activities",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-orders-10-russian-diplomats-to-leave-country-over",
        "published": "2026-09-08T10:26:28.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Le Monde English",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomatic staff for 'unacceptable activities'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomatic-staff-for-unacceptable-activities",
        "published": "2026-09-08T10:31:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "DW News",
        "title": "Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-orders-10-russian-diplomats-to-leave",
        "published": "2026-09-08T10:49:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Hungary orders 10 Russian diplomats to leave the country over activities deemed unacceptable",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-orders-10-russian-diplomats-to-leave-the-country-over-6268108",
        "published": "2026-09-08T10:53:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats, Moscow vows ‘painful’ response",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-moscow-vows-painful-response",
        "published": "2026-09-08T11:20:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Interfax-Ukraine",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats – foreign ministry",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-foreign-ministry",
        "published": "2026-09-08T12:52:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Politico EU",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats amid espionage concerns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-amid-espionage-concerns",
        "published": "2026-09-08T14:03:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "BBC World",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as relations worsen",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-as-relations-worsen",
        "published": "2026-09-08T14:38:44.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Voice of Ukraine",
        "title": "Ukraine welcomes Hungary’s move against Russian diplomats and calls for wider EU restrictions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/ukraine-welcomes-hungarys-move-against-russian-diplomats-and-calls",
        "published": "2026-09-08T14:43:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Meduza (English)",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats",
        "published": "2026-09-08T14:49:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats as relations worsen",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/hungary-expels-10-russian-diplomats-as-relations-worsen-6338777",
        "published": "2026-09-08T21:47:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}