A public dispute erupted on X between Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and Hungary’s Foreign Ministry over cash and gold belonging to Ukraine’s state-owned Oschadbank that were detained in Hungary.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said it has been three days since Hungarian authorities stopped two Ukrainian armored banking vehicles that were transiting from Austria.
“This money does not belong to Hungary or its government; it belongs to Ukraine’s state bank, Oschadbank, and therefore to Ukrainian taxpayers. We demand its immediate return and urge Europe-wide condemnation of this unprecedented act of state banditry and racketeering,” Sybiha wrote.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó responded by demanding explanations regarding the origin and purpose of the funds.
“We are still waiting for an answer: why were $900 million and €420 million in cash moved through Hungary? What was it used for and in whose interests? How much of it was spent in Hungary and for whose benefit?” he wrote.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi later joined the exchange.
“In Ukraine we say: ‘A guilty conscience needs no accuser.’ This is exactly the case. We are waiting for the return of the stolen funds and are preparing concrete legal action. We will also demand justice and accountability,” he said.
Earlier reports said Hungarian authorities detained two Oschadbank armored vehicles carrying cash and banking gold that were being transported in transit to Ukraine.