Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the successful return of Oschadbank funds and valuables that were seized by Hungarian special services earlier this year, calling it a positive resolution to a recent diplomatic dispute between the two neighboring countries, he stated on May 5.
The assets were confiscated in March 2026 during an incident in which the Hungarian side “unlawfully detained” Ukrainian cash collectors.
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While the bank personnel were released shortly after the initial incident, the financial assets remained in Hungarian custody until today.
“We returned the people faster, and now the funds and valuables are already on Ukrainian territory in full,” Zelenskyy stated, describing the resolution as an “important step in relations with Hungary.”
The Ukrainian President publicly commended Budapest for its cooperation in de-escalating the situation and finalizing the transfer of the assets back to Kyiv. “I am grateful to Hungary for its constructive approach and civilized step,” Zelenskyy said.
He also praised the efforts of the officials who negotiated the release of both the cash collectors and the bank’s property. “I thank everyone on the Ukrainian team who fought for a fair decision and defended the interests of our state and our people,” Zelenskyy concluded.
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The diplomatic resolution and return of the bank assets contrast with the dramatic circumstances of their initial seizure. In March 2026, heavily armed Hungarian anti-terrorist police intercepted the Oschadbank convoy near Budapest as it transported cash and gold from Austria to Ukraine.
Following their release, the cash-in-transit workers accused Hungarian security forces of torture and severe mistreatment. Gennadiy Kuznetsov, one of the detained handlers, reported that the crew was kept in handcuffs for over 28 hours, blindfolded with balaclavas, and completely denied legal or consular assistance despite carrying proper European customs documentation.
Kuznetsov also alleged he was subjected to “forced medical influence,” receiving unauthorized intravenous injections that severely deteriorated his health before the crew was expelled back to Ukrainian territory without their cargo.
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