Ukraine warns citizens against traveling to Hungary, citing arbitrary arrests and safety risks after seven nationals were detained.
Ukraine Issues Travel Advisory
On the night of March 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reported that Hungarian authorities detained seven Ukrainian citizens, employees of Oszczadbank SA, taking them hostage. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement in response.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary due to the inability to guarantee their safety in the face of arbitrary actions by Hungarian authorities. Where possible, we also urge prioritizing alternative transit routes, bypassing Hungarian territory,” the statement emphasized.
“We also draw the attention of Ukrainian and European businesses to the risk of arbitrary property seizures in Hungary and recommend accounting for this risk in any economic activities in the country,” it added.
Detained Nationals to Be Deported
On Friday, Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs announced that based on findings regarding the seven Ukrainians detained the previous day for transporting large amounts of cash, a decision was made to deport all of them from Hungary.
“The Hungarian Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) identified seven Ukrainian citizens detained for transporting large quantities of cash and gold through Hungary. The operation was supervised by a former Ukrainian Security Service general, with a former Ukrainian Air Force major serving as his deputy. They were assisted by individuals with military experience. Based on these findings, all seven individuals will be deported from Hungary,” Kovacs informed.
Diplomatic Dispute Over Detention
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy accused Budapest of taking its citizens hostage. On Thursday, Hungarian authorities seized two vehicles belonging to Oszczadbank SA transporting $40 million, €35 million, and nine kilograms of gold from Austria to Ukraine, according to NAV and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha. NAV stated it is conducting a criminal investigation into suspected money laundering by the Ukrainian carriers.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that Kyiv must clarify the cash transit matter. He expressed doubt whether the funds constituted regular banking transactions or were used or transferred to someone in Hungary. He added that until Ukraine clarifies the case, “Hungarian authorities will conduct the most thorough and detailed investigation possible.”
Ukrainian authorities accused Budapest of “taking Ukrainians hostage,” demanded their immediate release, and issued a travel warning for citizens. On Friday, Sybiha reiterated on X that Kyiv demands the immediate release of its citizens. “Ukrainian consuls still have not been granted access to seven Ukrainian citizens taken hostage in Budapest. The Hungarian side has provided no explanations,” the minister announced.