The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has publicly criticized Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s comments regarding funds and gold allegedly taken from Ukraine’s Oschadbank. This exchange follows a statement from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who raised concerns about the legitimacy of Hungary’s actions.
Szijjártó expressed frustration, questioning the origins of approximately $900 million and €420 million in cash that had reportedly been moved through Hungary. He demanded clarification on how these funds were utilized and for whose benefit.
“We are still waiting for an answer: why was $900 million and €420 million in cash moved through Hungary? What was it used for and in whose interests? How much of this was spent in Hungary and for whose benefit?”
In response, Sybiha made a pointed remark, suggesting that Hungary’s actions indicate guilt, referencing a Ukrainian saying that implies a guilty conscience does not need an accuser. He emphasized Ukraine’s intention to seek the return of the stolen assets and hinted at potential legal actions.
On March 8, Sybiha announced that Ukraine is demanding the immediate return of funds and precious metals that were unlawfully seized by Hungarian authorities from Oschadbank’s cash transporters. Kyiv has characterized Budapest’s actions as extortion and state terrorism.
Earlier, on March 5, reports emerged that two cash transport vehicles belonging to Oschadbank, accompanied by seven crew members, were unjustly detained in Hungary. These vehicles were transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold as part of a routine transfer between Raiffeisen Bank in Austria and Oschadbank in Ukraine.
While Ukraine managed to secure the release of the seven crew members on the same day, the assets remain with the Hungarian government. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has assured that it will take appropriate measures, including the possibility of sanctions, in response to the detention of its citizens in Hungary.
For further insights into Hungary’s motivations for detaining the cash transporters and potential currency shortages resulting from this incident, additional coverage is available.
The diplomatic spat between Ukraine and Hungary escalates as Ukraine demands the return of significant assets seized by Hungarian authorities. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and raises questions about the legality of Hungary's actions.