Ukraine Accuses Hungary of Taking Seven Bank Workers Hostage in Budapest

Published: March 6, 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
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Ukraine’s government has sharply accused Hungary of detaining seven of its citizens — bank employees of the state‑owned Oschadbank — in what Kyiv has called an unlawful hostage situation that has further strained relations between the two countries. The incident took place in Budapest, where the seven were stopped by Hungarian authorities while transporting cash and valuables associated with a routine financial transfer.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a statement on social media that Hungarian authorities effectively “took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage,” describing the action as “state terrorism and racketeering.” He did not immediately provide details about the current condition or whereabouts of the detainees, but said their vehicles were last tracked near a Hungarian security service building in central Budapest.

The bank workers were part of a convoy transporting substantial cash and valuables — reportedly involving $40 million, €35 million and about 9 kg of gold — in armoured vehicles moving between Austria and Ukraine under an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank Austria. Ukrainian officials maintain that the convoy was operating lawfully under international transport and customs rules when it was detained by Hungarian law enforcement.

The National Bank of Ukraine has echoed Kyiv’s demands, calling on Hungarian authorities to release the detained employees and return the seized vehicles and cargo without delay. Ukrainian officials have also pushed for a formal explanation from Budapest and said they will appeal to the European Union for legal assessment of Hungary’s actions.

Hungary has not publicly responded to Ukraine’s accusations. The detention comes amid broader tensions between the neighbours, including disagreements over the flow of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory to Hungary and political disagreements within the European Union. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been at odds with Kyiv over multiple issues, including EU financial aid to Ukraine.

The situation marks a significant diplomatic rupture, with Kyiv accusing a fellow EU member state of breaching established international norms by detaining bank personnel and seizing state assets. There are fears the dispute could further erode cooperation between Kyiv and Budapest and complicate European unity on security and economic matters.

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