Ukraine Plans Sanctions After Hungary Seizes Cash and Gold from Bank Vehicles.

13.04.2026 715

13.04.2026 715

Ukraine Plans Sanctions After Hungary Seizes Cash and Gold from Bank Vehicles

Ukraine-Hungary Relations Deteriorate Following Budapest Incident

According to TSN.ua: Tensions between Ukraine and Hungary have escalated after Hungarian special forces intercepted two armored vehicles belonging to Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank in Budapest. The operation resulted in the detention of seven bank employees. The seized assets included:

$40 million in cash
€35 million in cash
9 kilograms of gold bullion

Hungarian authorities have accused the Ukrainians of money laundering, a claim that has further inflamed the diplomatic dispute. This incident occurs against a backdrop of existing friction between the two nations, primarily over Hungary's stance on Russia and EU aid for Ukraine.

Hungarian Demands and Ukrainian Response

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has demanded the restoration of Russian oil transit via the damaged Druzhba pipeline within three days. The pipeline was significantly damaged by Russian missiles on January 27, complicating energy supplies. Orbán also announced a halt to gasoline and diesel deliveries to Ukraine until oil flows resume and order is restored.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed outrage at the Hungarian government's actions, stating:

“EU funds are being blocked by one person. They are killing us, and we are supposed to give oil to Orbán because he can't win elections without it?”

Ukraine is now preparing to initiate sanctions in retaliation for Hungary's moves.

Adding to the pressure, Hungary is currently blocking €90 billion in critical EU assistance intended for Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó questioned the transport of the assets, asking:

“Why was it necessary to transport such an enormous amount of cash and gold through Hungary?”

These statements underscore the deep mistrust and highlight the conflicting narratives from both sides.

The escalating row threatens to significantly impact the economic situation in both countries. Potential Ukrainian sanctions and the blocked EU financial aid are key points of contention. Energy security remains a critical issue, with Hungary potentially leveraging the situation to advance its demands towards both Ukraine and the EU. The outcome of this dispute could have wider implications for regional geopolitical dynamics beyond just bilateral relations.