Detention of Ukrainians in Hungary is part of Orban's blackmail and election campaign, says Sybiha

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated this on the social network X, Ukrinform reports.

“Political statements from Hungarian officials this morning show that the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens in Budapest was part of Hungary’s blackmail and electoral campaign. Orban's list of demands for Ukraine this morning was particularly telling. This is what typically happens after people are taken hostage: demands,” the foreign minister claimed.

He stressed that Ukraine will not tolerate state banditry and added that everyone responsible for the capture and detention of Ukrainian citizens will be held accountable. Ukraine also reserves the right to take appropriate measures, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures, the minister warned.

Sybiha also reiterated the demand that Hungary stop involving Ukraine in its domestic politics and election campaign.

The foreign minister added that Ukraine expects a decisive response from its partners. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry will also convene the foreign diplomatic corps to inform them of Hungary's unacceptable actions, refute absurd accusations, and call for support in demanding accountability.

As reported by Ukrinform, on the night of March 6, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens, employees of Oschadbank, hostage and stole the money they were transporting. According to him, seven Oschadbank employees were traveling in two bank vehicles between Austria and Ukraine, transporting cash as part of regular services between state banks.

Later that day, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed the detention of seven Oschadbank cash collectors and two vehicles carrying cash on a route from Austria to Ukraine, stating that it was conducting a criminal investigation into suspected money laundering.