BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) – Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Hungarian authorities of taking seven employees of the state-owned Oschadbank hostage and unlawfully seizing a cash shipment traveling in armored vehicles across Hungary. The incident has further exacerbated existing tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, notably concerning oil supplies and political relations.
In a post on X late Thursday, Sybiha expressed concern for the well-being of the seven Ukrainian employees, who were traveling in two armored cars carrying cash as part of regular transfers between state banks. These vehicles were en route between Austria and Ukraine when they were intercepted. According to Oschadbank's separate statement, Hungary apprehended a significant amount of money, including $40 million in cash, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms (19.8 pounds) of gold.
GPS data indicated that the vehicles were located in the center of Budapest, near a Hungarian law enforcement agency. However, the location of the bank employees remains unknown, as Oschadbank reported. Hungary’s Interior Ministry has not responded to requests for comments regarding this matter.
This incident has added to the already strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine, primarily stemming from a bitter dispute over Hungary's access to Russian oil via a pipeline that crosses Ukrainian territory. Hungary's government has accused Ukraine of hindering the flow of oil supplies, leading to Hungary taking countermeasures. The oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline have been interrupted since January 27, attributed to damage from a Russian drone strike, which Ukraine claims poses ongoing risks to repairing the infrastructure.
Despite pressure from the European Union to discontinue purchases of Russian fossil fuels, Hungary and Slovakia have continued to acquire them. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hinted at the hostage situation in a radio address, stating that Hungary would be willing to halt critical shipments for Ukraine until it receives approval for oil transportation. Orbán has established close ties with the Kremlin, increasing his anti-Ukraine rhetoric in light of pending national elections.
In previous actions against Ukraine, Orbán had stopped diesel shipments to Ukraine, vetoed new EU sanctions against Russia, and blocked a substantial 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan to Kyiv as retaliation for interruptions in oil shipments. Furthermore, he has deployed military forces to protect energy infrastructure amid accusations against Ukraine of planning disruptions.
Orbán recently emphasized at an economic forum that Hungary would utilize "force," incorporating political and financial tools to ensure the resumption of oil shipments from Ukraine. In response, Minister Sybiha criticized Orbán’s comments, labeling Hungary’s actions as "state terrorism and racketeering." He asserted that if Orbán's proposed "force" is utilized in the context of hostage-taking and theft, it constitutes the actions of a criminal gang. Sybiha also indicated that Ukraine intends to address these developments with the European Union to clarify Hungary's actions and seek support.
This situation highlights the deepening rift between Hungary and Ukraine, amidst broader geopolitical tensions that continue to influence the region's dynamics.
