Ukraine has accused Hungary of detaining seven employees of state bank Oschadbank, along with a significant amount of cash and gold. The van, reportedly carrying $75 million, was intercepted in Budapest while transporting funds from Austria to Ukraine. Kyiv states all contact with the bank staff has been lost.
This incident marks a sharp escalation in strained relations between the two countries. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated, "In Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage." He further alleged, "In fact, we are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money."
Oschadbank has demanded the immediate release of its employees and property. The bank claims the convoy carried $40 million, €35 million, and 9kg of gold, and that the transport was organized with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank, adhering to international rules and customs procedures.
Hungarian authorities have not yet responded to the accusations. Tensions between Budapest and Kyiv are already high due to disputes over the shutdown of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which Hungary blames on Ukraine. This latest confrontation further deepens the diplomatic rift.