The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has confirmed that seven employees of Oschadbank were detained in Hungary while transporting cash and valuables from Austria. The reasons for their detention and the current health status of the employees remain unclear, as there has been no communication with them. Kyiv has issued an official note demanding their immediate release.
Context: Oschadbank has acknowledged the disappearance of its staff in Hungary. Geolocation data indicates that the bank’s vehicles are currently located in central Budapest, near a Hungarian security agency. The bank stated that the transport was conducted in accordance with international agreements with Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank, carrying a total of $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Addresses Release of Captured Soldiers
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has expressed its expectation for a prompt response from Hungary regarding the confirmation that two released soldiers, who hold both Ukrainian and Hungarian citizenship, will be granted full freedom of choice regarding their residence and future plans. During discussions with Hungarian officials, Kyiv emphasized the importance of avoiding politicization of sensitive matters related to the transfer of Ukrainian prisoners of war to Hungary without prior notification or coordination.
Context: Recently, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed frustration over Kyiv’s summoning of a Hungarian diplomat, alleging that the Ukrainian side had overreacted to the rescue of two individuals. He affirmed Hungary’s commitment to assisting any Hungarian citizens in distress and maintaining the country’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Fox News Airs Video of Ukrainian Drone Misrepresented as U.S. Technology
Fox News has broadcast a video showcasing the operation of a Ukrainian interceptor drone, Sting, misattributed to American drones used against Iranian targets in the Middle East. The Ukrainian manufacturer, Diki Shershni, clarified that the footage featured their Sting drone, which is employed by Ukrainian air defense units to target Iranian Shahed drones. The video even displayed the company’s watermark.
Context: Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine had received a request from the U.S. for assistance in defending against Iranian strike drones in the Middle East. He instructed the provision of necessary resources and the involvement of Ukrainian specialists to ensure security.
U.S. Temporarily Permits India to Purchase Russian Oil
The U.S. Treasury Department has temporarily lifted sanctions for 30 days, allowing Indian refineries to purchase Russian oil that has been stranded on tankers at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that this short-term measure is not expected to provide significant financial benefits to the Russian government.
Context: On March 5, Reuters reported that India’s state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp had resumed purchases of Russian oil after a three-month hiatus. The company reportedly placed orders before U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. India sources approximately 40% of its oil imports from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz. By reducing its imports of Russian oil, India has avoided 25% of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration and secured a temporary trade agreement with the U.S.
Italian Culture Ministry Comments on Russia’s Participation in Venice Biennale
The Italian Ministry of Culture has stated that the decision regarding Russia’s participation in the 61st Venice Biennale was made independently by the Biennale Foundation, despite the government’s opposition. The Italian government emphasized its ongoing collaboration with Ukraine to restore cultural heritage damaged during the ongoing war, providing funding and expert support for restoration efforts.
Context: This year marks Russia’s first participation in the Venice Biennale since 2022, one of the world’s most influential art events. The list of national pavilions published on the exhibition’s website includes a Russian project titled “The Tree is Rooted in the Sky.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported the detention of seven Oschadbank employees in Hungary and is seeking their immediate release. Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions have been temporarily lifted to allow Indian refineries to purchase stranded Russian oil, and Italy has clarified its stance on Russia's participation in the Venice Biennale.