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Hungarian authorities detained seven Ukrainian citizens, including a former intelligence officer, and seized two armored vehicles carrying large sums of cash in Hungary. The incident occurred as the Ukrainians, employees of the state-owned Oschadbank, were transporting the money between Austria and Ukraine. Ukraine has accused Hungary of hostage-taking and illegal seizure of millions of dollars, alleging the cash was part of regular services between state banks. Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed the detention and seizure, citing suspicion of money laundering. Oschadbank reported that $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold were apprehended. The incident has further strained relations between Hungary and Ukraine, already tense due to disputes over Russian oil supplies through a pipeline crossing Ukrainian territory.

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.

Hungary seized millions of euros in cash and gold from a Ukrainian convoy traveling through the country, arresting seven Ukrainian citizens. Hungarian officials cited concerns about the money's origin and potential links to intelligence operations, initiating a money-laundering investigation. Ukraine's foreign minister accused Hungary of theft and political manipulation by Viktor Orbán ahead of upcoming elections. The seized shipment included $40 million and €35 million in cash, along with 9kg of gold, reportedly being transported by Ukraine's state savings bank between Austria and Ukraine due to air travel restrictions. The incident escalates tensions between the two countries, already strained over gas supplies and Hungary's opposition to EU sanctions and aid for Ukraine.

Tensions are escalating between Ukraine and Hungary after Hungary detained seven Ukrainian citizens allegedly involved in money laundering. Ukraine is demanding their immediate release and has advised against travel to Hungary. The seven men were apprehended by Hungarian tax and customs authorities while transporting cash and gold. According to a Hungarian spokesperson, the operation was allegedly supervised by a former Ukrainian Security Service general, with a former Ukrainian Air Force major as deputy, and the individuals will be expelled from Hungary. The National Bank of Ukraine is sending a team to Budapest to investigate the circumstances surrounding the detention and is seeking official explanations from Hungarian authorities.