Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has leveled serious accusations against Hungarian authorities, claiming they have taken seven employees of Ukraine’s state savings bank, Oschadbank, into custody. The minister stated on the social media platform X that the detentions occurred in Budapest, emphasizing that the reasons behind this action and the well-being of the individuals remain unknown.
The employees were reportedly traveling in two vehicles carrying approximately $80 million (£60 million) in cash, en route from Austria to Ukraine. Sybiha further indicated that Hungarian authorities had issued a demand for the employees’ return. In response, Oschadbank issued a statement asserting that its employees were “unjustifiably detained in Hungary.” The bank also noted that GPS data placed their vehicles within Budapest. The BBC has reached out to the Hungarian government for an official comment on the situation.
The Oschadbank statement detailed the contents of the vehicles, identifying “40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kg of gold” as the valuables involved. The bank is now calling for the “immediate release of its employees and property,” along with their safe return to Ukraine.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of strained relations between Ukraine and Hungary. Hungary has maintained close ties with Russia and has consistently voiced opposition to providing military aid to Ukraine. Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had openly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for obstructing a significant European aid package intended for Kyiv. Orbán has indicated that Budapest intends to leverage “political and financial tools” to pressure Ukraine into reopening the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungarian refineries.
Sybiha intensified his condemnation, accusing Hungary of engaging in “state terrorism and racketeering.” He reiterated on X, “We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money.”
The context of the Druzhba pipeline dispute is significant. Ukraine asserts that the pipeline sustained damage from Russian strikes last month, resulting in injuries to repair crews from subsequent attacks. The Druzhba pipeline serves as a primary conduit for Russian oil into Hungary and Slovakia. Shipments to both nations have been halted since January 27th. Both Hungary and Slovakia, currently the only European Union countries still importing Russian oil, have accused Ukraine of intentionally delaying the resumption of these oil flows for political reasons.