The European Commission has expressed concern over the escalating rhetoric between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, deeming it unhelpful for achieving the common goals of the EU and Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Position of the European Commission on Political Rhetoric
During a briefing, European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that provocative rhetoric from all sides does not contribute to the objective of pressuring Russia to end the war, ensuring financial support for Ukraine, and guaranteeing the energy security of EU member states.
“Currently, much of the rhetoric is escalating and provocative. We believe that such rhetoric from all sides is neither helpful nor conducive to achieving the common goals we all share.”
In particular, the latest statement from Volodymyr Zelensky was labeled unacceptable by the European Commission, which also highlighted the unacceptability of any threats directed at EU member states. The European Commission called on all parties to refrain from escalation and to focus on constructive dialogue.
Detention of Ukrainian Cash Transporters in Hungary
Amid tensions between Kyiv and Budapest, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Hungarian authorities detained seven employees of the state-owned “Oschadbank” who were transporting foreign currency and banking metals between Austria and Ukraine. The Ministry urged Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary or transiting through its territory.
“Oschadbank” stated that it sees no legal grounds for the detention of the cash transport vehicles and their personnel. The bank informed that since the beginning of the full-scale war, the transportation of currency and valuables has been conducted solely by land transport, with such trips occurring weekly. Among the valuables in the detained vehicles were 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold belonging to the state bank.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Hungarian authorities have questions regarding the transportation of large amounts of cash through the country. According to Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs, all seven detained Ukrainians will be deported, but the fate of the confiscated funds remains unknown.
The European Commission reported that it is aware of the detention of Ukrainian cash transporters by Hungarian law enforcement but currently has no additional information regarding this incident. The head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the event as a theft of money.