Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the acting chargé d’affaires of the Hungarian embassy to provide explanations regarding the detention of Ukrainian cash collectors. Kyiv demands immediate consular access to the detained citizens, their release, and the return of state property.
This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The ministry stated that Ukraine considers Hungary’s actions unlawful.
The case concerns employees of the state-owned Oschadbank who were transporting funds and valuables in two armored vehicles between Austria and Ukraine as part of regular transfers between state banks.
The MFA stressed that Ukraine demands immediate consular access to the unlawfully detained Ukrainian citizens, their release, and the return of state property.
The ministry also warned that the seizure of hostages and theft of property will not go unanswered. Ukraine reserves the right to take response measures, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive actions against those involved, as well as using international legal mechanisms.
The MFA also said that attempts by Hungary to drag Ukraine into its election campaign and domestic politics are unacceptable. Ukraine seeks to maintain good-neighborly and partnership relations with EU and NATO states and hopes Hungary will return to constructive cooperation.
In addition, on March 6 Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis, together with Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Dmytro Oliinyk and Chairman of the Board of Oschadbank Yurii Katsion, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions of EU member states in Ukraine and a representative of the U.S. embassy.
During the briefing, foreign diplomats were informed about the circumstances of the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens — employees of Oschadbank who were transporting currency valuables from Austria to Ukraine.
It was emphasized that the transportation of cash and bank metals was carried out in full compliance with international law, EU customs regulations, and bilateral agreements. The cargo had all necessary accompanying documents confirming its lawful origin and intended purpose.
Ukrainian officials also presented diplomats with facts that, according to Kyiv, refute the accusations made by the Hungarian side.
Yevhen Perebyinis stated that Ukraine views Hungary’s actions as an act of state terrorism and political blackmail.
The deputy minister called on European diplomats to convey this information to the European Commission and the governments of EU member states in order to take all possible measures to secure the swift release of the Ukrainian citizens.