Ukraine says 7 nationals detained in Hungary return to Ukraine

Ukraine says 7 nationals detained in Hungary return to Ukraine

Hungary has expelled seven Ukrainian nationals detained on March 5 amid a diplomatic dispute with Kyiv, with Ukraine confirming their safe return to the country. The individuals, employees of state-owned Oschadbank, were arrested while transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold in armored vehicles between Austria and Ukraine. Hungarian authorities cited suspicion of money laundering and claimed the convoy was overseen by a former Ukrainian intelligence general, though no formal charges were filed before their deportation.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, condemned the detention as "state banditism" and "hostage-taking," accusing Hungary of exploiting the incident for political gain amid its election campaign. Kyiv emphasized that such cash transfers are routine for postwar operations and occur weekly under licensed arrangements. Hungary's tax authority, however, highlighted that over $900 million, €420 million, and 146 kg of gold had transited through its territory to Ukraine since January, raising questions about the necessity of physical shipments.

The incident escalates tensions between the two nations, which have clashed over the Druzhba pipeline—a critical route for Russian oil to Hungary—since its closure in late January. Kyiv attributes the shutdown to a Russian drone strike, while Hungary insists Ukraine is obstructing supplies. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, trailing in polls, has framed the dispute as a security threat and threatened to block EU aid to Ukraine unless oil transit resumes.

Hungary's actions have drawn rebukes from the European Commission, which urged de-escalation, while Ukraine warned of potential sanctions against Budapest. The status of the seized funds and gold remains unresolved, further complicating bilateral relations amid broader geopolitical rivalries.