Hungary has returned funds and valuables belonging to Ukraine’s Oschadbank, which were seized by Hungarian authorities in March during the detention of Ukrainian cash transporters. President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted this as a significant step in Ukraine-Hungary relations, asserting that the initial detention of the cash transporters was unlawful.
On the night of March 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that Hungarian officials had detained seven Oschadbank employees who were transporting cash from Austria. Oschadbank confirmed the disappearance of its staff and the confiscation of cash and valuables. GPS data indicated that the bank’s vehicles were parked in central Budapest, near a Hungarian security agency’s building. Subsequently, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed the detention of the seven Ukrainians on suspicions of money laundering.
By the evening of March 6, the detained cash transporters had returned to Ukraine. Despite allegations of money laundering, Hungary did not pursue charges against the Ukrainians, although the valuables remained in the country. On March 10, the Hungarian government enacted a special decree mandating that the seized funds be held by the National Tax and Customs Administration until the investigation was concluded.
Possible Russian Strikes on Ukraine Announced for May 9
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, urged foreign diplomats to evacuate from Kyiv ahead of potential Russian strikes targeting decision-making centers, should Moscow be attacked during the announced ceasefire. The Russian Foreign Ministry has sent a warning note to diplomatic missions and international organizations.
In late April, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a willingness for a ceasefire with U.S. President Donald Trump for Victory Day. On May 4, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced a ceasefire from May 8 to 9. That same day, President Zelensky declared a silence regime for the night of May 5-6, stating that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would respond if Russian forces violated it. Following Moscow’s failure to adhere to the proposed ceasefire, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine would reassess its next steps.
EU Approves Special Tribunal for Russia
The European Council has approved the establishment of a Special Tribunal to address Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. A further step towards launching the tribunal is expected during the Council of Europe meeting in Chișinău on May 14-15, where an agreement on its governing committee will be finalized. A total of 25 EU countries have expressed readiness to join this initiative.
The NATO Parliamentary Assembly recognized Russia as a terrorist state on November 21, 2022, and supported a resolution for the creation of a special tribunal regarding Russian aggression, pending national-level approvals from individual countries. On May 9, 2025, EU foreign ministers and senior officials endorsed the tribunal’s establishment, which will operate in The Hague. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, anticipates that the tribunal will issue its first decisions by 2026.
Norway Allocates $300 Million for Arms Purchases for Ukraine
The Norwegian government has announced a funding allocation of 2.8 billion kroner (approximately $300 million) for the PURL program, aimed at purchasing American weapons for Ukraine. President Zelensky referred to this assistance as a crucial step in support.
Government Allocates Funds for Recovery Work Payments
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that over 12,000 workers involved in emergency recovery efforts following Russian attacks will receive additional payments of 20,000 hryvnias for their work in March. The government has allocated 242 million hryvnias for this purpose, benefiting approximately 9,000 energy workers, nearly 2,000 gas utility workers, and over 1,000 railway workers who are restoring damaged infrastructure and helping communities return to normal operations.
Hungary has returned funds to Ukraine's Oschadbank, while Russia warns of potential strikes on May 9. The EU has approved a Special Tribunal for Russia, and Norway has allocated $300 million for arms purchases for Ukraine.