The European Commission has expressed concern over the escalating rhetoric between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, describing it as neither constructive nor conducive to achieving shared objectives. The Commission’s spokesperson, Olof Gill, emphasized the need for a more measured approach from all parties involved.
During a press briefing, Gill stated, “Currently, much of the rhetoric is heightened and provocative. We believe that such language from all sides is neither beneficial nor favorable for achieving our common goals.” These goals include exerting pressure on Russia to cease hostilities, securing financial assistance for Ukraine, and ensuring the energy security of EU member states.
President Zelensky made remarks on March 5, implying that he could disclose the identity of an EU official obstructing financial aid to Ukraine. He stated, “We hope that one individual in the EU will not block 90 billion or the first tranche of 90 billion, and that Ukrainian soldiers will receive weapons. Otherwise, we will provide this person’s address to our Armed Forces, and they can communicate with him in their own way.”
In response, Prime Minister Orban declared that Hungary would not make any compromises regarding the situation, asserting, “We will forcefully break through the Ukrainian oil blockade. Hungarian energy will soon flow again through the Druzhba pipeline.”
On March 6, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Hungarian authorities had detained seven Ukrainian citizens, employees of the state-owned Oschadbank, while they were transporting cash between Austria and Ukraine. The Ministry advised Ukrainian citizens to avoid travel to Hungary or transit through it in light of this incident.
Oschadbank has contested the legality of the detention, stating that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the transportation of foreign currency and banking metals has been conducted exclusively by land. Weekly transport operations by the bank’s armored vehicles have been routine. The bank reported that the detained vehicles contained approximately $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto acknowledged that the government has questions regarding the cash transport through its territory. On March 6, Zoltan Kovacs, a government spokesperson, confirmed that the identities of the seven detained Ukrainians had been established and that they would be expelled from Hungary, although he did not clarify the fate of the seized funds.
The European Commission, in response to inquiries from Radio Free Europe, acknowledged awareness of the media reports regarding the detention of Ukrainian cash transporters but stated that they could not provide further information at this time. Gill requested patience as they seek to gather more details.
The Polish Foreign Minister commented on the incident, characterizing it as a theft of funds.
Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary have escalated, with the European Commission urging both leaders to adopt a more constructive dialogue. The situation has been exacerbated by Hungary's detention of Ukrainian cash transporters, raising concerns over EU aid and regional stability.