Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the successful return of funds and assets belonging to the state-owned Oschadbank, which had been seized by Hungarian authorities earlier this year. This development marks a significant step in Ukraine’s diplomatic relations with Hungary.
In a statement on social media, Zelensky confirmed that the assets, taken in March, had been fully returned. He noted, “Today, the funds and valuables of Oschadbank, which were seized by Hungarian special services, have been returned. The Hungarian side had wrongfully detained Ukrainian cash transporters. We managed to secure the release of the individuals quickly, and now the funds are back on Ukrainian soil in their entirety.”
Zelensky expressed gratitude to Budapest for what he termed a “constructive and civilized step,” and acknowledged the efforts of Ukrainian representatives who worked towards this resolution.
On March 6, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister had reported that Hungarian authorities had effectively “taken hostage” seven Ukrainian employees of Oschadbank. These individuals were conducting a cash transport operation between Austria and Ukraine. Fortunately, they were released on the same day.
According to Oschadbank, the transport vehicles contained approximately $40 million, €35 million, and nine kilograms of gold. The National Police of Ukraine has initiated criminal proceedings concerning the abduction of Ukrainian citizens and the theft of the bank’s vehicle on Hungarian territory.
At the time of the incident, former Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that the government had concerns regarding the transportation of cash through its territory and would conduct a thorough investigation.
Ukraine has successfully recovered significant funds and assets from Hungary, following the wrongful detention of Oschadbank employees earlier this year. This return is viewed as a positive development in Ukraine-Hungary relations.