The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Chargé d’Affaires of the Hungarian Embassy in connection with the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens by Hungarian law enforcement. The detainees are employees of the state bank “Oschadbank” and were conducting a regular route with two armored vehicles between Austria and Ukraine, transporting significant sums of money and valuables.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian Position on the Actions of Hungarian Law Enforcement
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that the actions of the Hungarian authorities are considered unlawful and demanded immediate consular access to the detained citizens, their release, and the return of state property. The foreign ministry emphasized possible response measures, including the initiation of sanctions and the use of international legal mechanisms against those involved.
“The Hungarian diplomat was informed that the Ukrainian side considers such actions unlawful, demands immediate consular access to the illegally detained Ukrainian citizens and their prompt release, as well as the return of state property. The taking of hostages and theft of property will not go unanswered. Ukraine reserves the right to take response measures, including the initiation of sanctions and other restrictive measures against those involved in the abduction of our citizens, and to engage necessary international legal mechanisms,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also stressed the unacceptability of involving our state in Hungary’s internal political processes, urging the neighboring country to return to constructive cooperation.
Response from the Hungarian Side and Situation Development
The Hungarian authorities announced their intention to deport all seven detained Ukrainians. Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs stated that the identities of the detainees have been established, and they will be expelled from the country. According to Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, law enforcement has questions regarding the legality of transporting large sums of cash and gold through the country. He noted that until clear explanations regarding the origin and purpose of the funds are received, Hungarian authorities will conduct a thorough investigation.
“Oschadbank” emphasized that it had not received any notifications from the Hungarian side before or after the detention of its employees and sees no grounds for the detention of the armored vehicles and personnel. The bank clarified that approximately 40 million USD, 35 million euros, and 9 kg of gold, belonging to the state bank of Ukraine, were being transported in the vehicles. Such routes have been conducted weekly since the beginning of the full-scale war, and the transportation of valuables occurs exclusively by land transport.
In light of this incident, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry recommends that citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary or transiting through it. The National Police of Ukraine has opened criminal proceedings regarding the abduction of citizens and the service vehicle on the territory of Hungary.
The European Commission is currently refraining from comments, and spokesman Olof Gill noted that the matter is at the stage of clarifying the circumstances. Meanwhile, the Polish Foreign Minister, commenting on the situation, referred to the event as a theft of money. The day before, the Hungarian government regarded the statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an “open threat.”