Ukraine accuses Hungary of taking seven people hostage

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete March 6, 2026 at 03:13 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungarian authorities of taking seven Oschadbank employees hostage in Budapest. The employees were transporting $80 million in cash between Austria and Ukraine when they were detained. Oschadbank confirmed the detention and stated the vehicles contained $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold, demanding the immediate release of its employees and property. The reasons for the detention remain unknown. The accusation comes amid heightened tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, with Hungary maintaining close ties with Russia and opposing military aid for Ukraine. President Zelensky has also criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for blocking a European aid package for Kyiv.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Austria 30% Slovakia ×240% European Union 40% Budapest ×250% Druzhba pipeline ×250% Russia ×360% Viktor Orban ×270% Volodymyr Zelenskyy 70% Oschadbank ×480% Andrii Sybiha ×490% Ukraine ×790% Hungary ×1090%

Keywords

hostage taking 90% hungary 80% ukraine 80% oschadbank 70% druzhba pipeline 60% state terrorism 60% russian oil 50% political tensions 50% military aid 50%