Zelensky to discuss return of Oschadbank funds with Hungary's PM-elect Magyar

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to discuss with Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, the return of funds that Hungarian authorities seized in early March from cash-in-transit vehicles belonging to Ukraine's Oschadbank.

The head of state said this on television, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We would still like to get the money back. They took some of our funds. […] We will be talking with Magyar. I believe they should return it. Orban simply stole this money," Zelensky said.

On March 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that in Budapest, Hungarian authorities had detained seven Ukrainian citizens – employees of Oschadbank – and seized the funds they were transporting. According to him, the employees were traveling in two bank vehicles in transit between Austria and Ukraine, carrying cash as part of routine operations between state-owned banks.

On March 10, the Hungarian government adopted a special resolution regarding the cash and gold seized from the Oschadbank vehicles. Pending the investigation, the assets will remain under the control of Hungarian authorities.

On April 12, parliamentary elections were held in Hungary, in which the Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, won. He is expected to officially take office as prime minister in May.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine