Ukraine accuses Hungary of taking seven people hostage

Ukraine accuses Hungary of taking seven people hostage

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, has claimed that Hungarian officials have detained seven employees of the state savings bank Oschadbank. In a post on X, Sybiha stated: “Hungarian authorities detained seven Ukrainian citizens in Budapest. The motives behind this action remain unclear, as do their current conditions.” The individuals were traveling in two vehicles transporting $80 million in cash between Austria and Ukraine at the time of the incident. Sybiha noted that a formal request had been sent to the Hungarian government asking for the employees’ prompt release.

“Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage. The reasons are still unknown, as well as their current well-being.” — Andrii Sybiha

Oschadbank responded with a statement asserting that its staff had been “unjustifiably detained in Hungary” and provided GPS evidence confirming their vehicles were located in the capital. The BBC has sought comments from the Hungarian government on the matter. The bank also detailed the stolen assets, including 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold. It called for the immediate return of its personnel and property to Ukrainian soil.

“The amount of valuables in the stolen cars amounted to 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, 9 kg of gold,” the Oschadbank statement continues. “Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine.”

Hungary’s relationship with Russia has been a key factor in its stance toward Ukraine. The country has resisted providing military aid to Kyiv, with Sybiha accusing it of “state terrorism and racketeering.” He emphasized, “We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money.” Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for blocking a European aid package. Orban, facing tight political races in upcoming elections, accused Kyiv of implementing an “oil blockade” by delaying the Druzhba pipeline’s restart.

The Druzhba pipeline, crucial for transporting Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, has been disrupted since 27 January. Hungary and Slovakia are the last EU nations still importing Russian oil. Orban claimed Kyiv was intentionally slowing the pipeline’s revival to gain political leverage. Ukraine explained that the pipeline was damaged by Russian strikes last month, with repair teams facing further attacks that have hindered its restoration.