Photo: Andriy Sybiha/Facebook
Ukraine has successfully secured the release of seven cash couriers from the state-owned Oschadbank who were previously detained in Hungary, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced.
The minister confirmed that the individuals have already crossed back into Ukraine and received assistance from Ukrainian consuls. “I have reported to President Volodymyr Zelensky that we managed to secure the release of seven Ukrainian citizens held in Budapest… Thanks to our team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian embassy in Hungary, law enforcement, state institutions, banks, and everyone who helped achieve their release,” Sybiha said.
The incident involved the seizure of two armored Oschadbank vehicles in Hungary, carrying $40 million, €35 million, nine kilograms of gold, and the seven employees, in accordance with an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry characterized the event as a hostage-taking and robbery, demanding explanations. The National Bank of Ukraine emphasized that the transported cargo complied with international transport regulations and current European customs procedures.
Sybiha later noted that there had been signals a few days before the seizure suggesting Budapest was planning a provocation. Ukraine also sees a possible “Russian fingerprint” in the events.
