Ukraine Accuses Hungary of Hostage Taking and Theft
Budapest, Hungary – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiga, has accused Hungarian authorities of taking hostage seven Ukrainian citizens employed by Oschadbank and stealing funds and valuables while they were traveling between Austria and Ukraine. The incident, reported on March 6, 2026, has sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Sybiga, the seven Ukrainian nationals were operating two cash-in-transit vehicles as part of a regular transfer of money and valuables between state-owned banks. He stated, “Today in Budapest, the Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage. The reasons, as well as their state of health and the possibility of contact with them are still unknown.”
Sybiga further alleged that Hungary “took hostages and stole money,” characterizing the actions as “state terrorism and racketeering.” He referenced recent comments by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stating, “If this is the ‘force’ that Mr. Orbán spoke about today, then this is the force of a criminal gang.”
Official Statements
Ukraine has sent an official note to Hungary demanding the immediate release of its citizens. Sybiga also indicated Ukraine would seek clarification from the European Union regarding Hungary’s actions, specifically labeling them as “hostage-taking and robbery.”
Oschadbank confirmed the detention of its employees and provided details regarding the stolen assets. According to the bank, the vehicles were located in the center of Budapest, near a Hungarian security force facility, as confirmed by the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary and the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bank stated the location of the employees remains unknown.
Oschadbank clarified that the transportation of funds was conducted under an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank (Austria), adhering to international transportation rules and European customs procedures. The total value of the stolen assets is reported to be 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold.
Oschadbank has demanded the immediate release of its employees and the return of the stolen property to Ukraine.
Recent Context
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions between Ukraine and Hungary. On March 2, 2026, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán released satellite images purportedly demonstrating no obstructions to the flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by stating that satellite images do not reveal the full picture and criticized Orbán and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico for perceived selfishness regarding the pipeline. Zelenskyy also warned he might share Orbán’s address with the Ukrainian Armed Forces if EU funding remained blocked by Hungary.
Orbán has also posted videos threatening to compel Ukraine to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.