Kyiv secures release of Ukrainian nationals detained in Budapest

Key Takeaways

• Seven Ukrainian nationals employed by Oschadbank—traveling in two armored cash-in-transit vehicles carrying about $40 million, €35 million and 9 kg of gold—were detained by Hungarian authorities in Budapest on suspicion of money laundering and later expelled. (apnews.com)
• Kyiv condemned the detentions as politically motivated “hostage‑taking,” summoned Hungary’s chargé d’affaires, convened diplomatic corps, warned of potential sanctions, and reported the detainees had safely crossed back into Ukraine. (apnews.com)
• The incident sharpens existing tensions amid a broader diplomatic rift over energy disputes—particularly Hungary’s blocking of EU sanctions and loans for Ukraine—and comes ahead of Hungary’s April 12 general election, where the issue is seen as part of Prime Minister Orbán’s campaign strategy. (apnews.com)