Hungary
Seven employees of Oschadbank's collection service, detained in Hungary on March 5, have returned to Ukraine. They are in a difficult emotional state, and one of them has experienced an exacerbation of a chronic illness. The bank continues to defend its interests regarding the return of 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kg of gold.
Ukraine secured the release of seven citizens who were held in Budapest. They have already crossed the Ukrainian border and are safe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held a briefing for EU and US diplomats, clarifying the situation with the detention of seven Oschadbank cash collectors in Hungary. The Ukrainian side refutes Hungary's accusations and calls on the EU to facilitate the release of its citizens.
The European Commission is exploring the possibility of financial support to restore oil supplies through the 'Druzhba' pipeline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will discuss this issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
The European Commission has called unacceptable the rhetoric of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The EC stated that there can be no threats against EU member states.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the European Commission supports Ukraine and is cooperating with Croatia to block Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. According to him, Kyiv refuses to resume oil transit for political reasons.
The Hungarian government has released photos of cash and gold bars seized from seven detained Ukrainian cash collectors. Videos of the Ukrainians' arrest by Hungarian special services were also released.
Hungary has not taken real steps to release the seven Ukrainians detained with armored vehicles or to allow consular access to them. Ukraine continues to demand their release and consular access.
Ukraine reserves the right to initiate sanctions against those involved in the seizure of Ukrainians in Hungary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is convening the foreign diplomatic corps to inform them about Hungary's unacceptable actions.
Seven Oschadbank employees who were escorting armored vehicles are being illegally held in Hungary. The bank demands their immediate release and the return of valuables worth $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold.
The National Police of Ukraine has initiated criminal proceedings regarding the abduction of Ukrainian citizens and a service vehicle belonging to JSC "Oschadbank" on the territory of Hungary. Information has been entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations under articles concerning unlawful deprivation of liberty and hostage-taking.
Seven Ukrainian citizens, detained in Hungary with armored vehicles transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold, have reportedly already been deported. Ukraine demands explanations from Hungary regarding the detention and release of its citizens.
NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyi has sent a team to Budapest to clarify the situation with the seized Oschadbank cash-in-transit crews and vehicles. Ukraine demands the release of its citizens from Hungary and an explanation for the detention.
EU ambassadors stated that member states would not accept the 'membership first, then integration' model for Ukraine. This resistance blocks the model that the European Commission had been promoting for Ukraine's accession to the EU by 2027.
Russian dictator Putin instructed Sergey Kiriyenko to deal with Hungary to help Viktor Orbán win the parliamentary elections. Kiriyenko maintains ties with the campaign organizers of Orbán's party.
The end of winter and the beginning of spring is traditionally the period when grain reserves from the previous season decrease, and the new harvest is still far away, which cannot but affect the price of cereals. But experts assure: Ukraine is not threatened by a buckwheat shortage, and prices will not "jump" if consumers do not fall for informational provocations and do not create a stir.
Hungary has not granted Ukrainian consuls access to seven citizens detained in Budapest. Ukraine demands their immediate release and is preparing an appeal to the EU.
The Hungarian Prime Minister claims that Ukraine has imposed an oil embargo against Hungary, and he will use all means to overcome it. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico supported Orban and threatened to block an EU loan for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha confirmed the seizure of seven Oschadbank employees by Hungarian security forces in Budapest. Ukraine considers this a criminal hostage-taking and is preparing an appeal to the EU.
Oschadbank reported the unfounded detention of two armored vehicles and the disappearance of seven employees in Hungary on March 5. The vehicles were transporting 40 million US dollars, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyy stated that restoring the Druzhba oil pipeline to its previous form makes no sense. The reason is the damage to the main pumping station in Brody and the unwillingness to transport Russian oil.
The European Union will appeal to international partners for additional funding for Ukraine to cover a €30 billion deficit. Hungary is blocking a €90 billion EU aid package due to a dispute over oil supplies.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is ready to meet with Zelenskyy after talks with Ursula von der Leyen. He demands that Ukraine allow inspection and resume transit of Russian oil.
The Coordination Headquarters condemns the transfer of two captured Ukrainians to Hungary, considering it a Russian provocation and a violation of the Geneva Conventions. Ukraine demands information on the health status of the prisoners and access to them.
Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to consider the possibility of immediately stopping gas supplies to Europe. This is due to the EU's plans to limit the import of Russian gas.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will release two Hungarian citizens, mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine, from captivity. Transcarpathian Hungarians will leave Russia with Szijjártó.
The centrist Tisza party leads Orbán's Fidesz ahead of the April 12 elections, while the far-right Mi Hazánk (Our Homeland) is gaining support. Polls show many voters are still undecided.
Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.
President Zelenskyy stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gains political weight only with the support of major political forces. He suggested that Orban might lose the upcoming elections, and Ukraine would restore normal relations.
Ukraine is under pressure from the EU to allow inspection of the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv claims significant damage from a Russian airstrike, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately blocking it.