Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have plummeted to a new low after a dramatic cash convoy seizure, pipeline disputes, and fiery threats between Presidents Zelensky and PM Orbán. The row is set to dominate headlines as Hungary’s crucial April elections loom.
Hungary Seizes Ukrainian Cash Convoy – Kyiv Calls It Hostage-Taking
In a brazen move early Friday, Hungary’s elite Counter-Terrorism Centre stopped two Ukrainian bank vehicles carrying cash along the M5 motorway. Witnesses said heavily armed men in black forced the drivers out and escorted the convoy to Budapest. The seized cash belonged to Oschadbank, one of Ukraine’s biggest state banks. Kyiv’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha slammed the action as “hostage-taking” of seven Ukrainian nationals.
Pipeline Shutdown Sparks Fury as Hungary Blocks EU Aid to Ukraine
Tensions have been simmering since Hungary and Slovakia accused Ukraine of blocking the Druzhba oil pipeline last month. The Soviet-era pipeline carries Russian oil through Ukraine to both countries. Budapest insists there’s no technical reason to shut it and has retaliated by halting the EU’s €90 billion loan package and latest sanctions against Russia.
Zelensky Drops Bombshell Threat at Orbán
The feud took a personal turn when Zelensky warned Orbán over the withholding of EU funds. “We will pass this man’s address to the armed forces — let them call him and speak to him in their own language,” Zelensky said, referring to the Hungarian PM.
“No foreign state leader may threaten anyone, no Hungarian,” said opposition leader Péter Magyar, demanding a formal apology from Kyiv and calling for the EU to cut ties with Ukraine until then.
Orbán fired back on Kossuth Radio, accusing Zelensky of trying to interfere in Hungary’s elections: “We are in the way, they want to get rid of us.”
Secret Moscow Trip Further Heats the Row
Adding fuel to the fire, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó made a covert visit to Moscow, returning with two prisoners of war holding dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizenship. Kyiv was blindsided by the move, which stirred fresh controversy so close to the polls.
