Kyiv hails Hungary returning seized cash, eyes mending ties
Hungary Returns Seized Ukrainian Assets, Signaling Diplomatic Thaw
Background of the Seizure
KYIV, May 6 (Reuters) - Hungary has returned cash and gold of Ukraine's Oschadbank seized by Budapest's security service in March, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday, as Kyiv welcomed the move toward normalising strained ties under Hungary’s outgoing government.
Details of the Detention
Under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who lost the election to Peter Magyar, Hungary detained seven Ukrainians transporting around $82 million in cash and gold on suspicion of money laundering. Ukraine denounced the seizure as racketeering.
Return of Assets and Official Statements
Both funds and gold are back in Ukraine in full, Zelenskiy said, stressing Hungary's "constructive approach and civilised step".
Reactions from Ukrainian Officials
"The return of the stolen property draws a clear line between the lawlessness of the Orban regime and the constructive approach of the incoming new government," Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said on X. Magyar is to take the oath of office on Saturday.
Prospects for Bilateral Relations
"We take this as a sign of Hungary’s willingness to advance our relations with mutual respect and healthy pragmatism — and we are ready to reciprocate," he added.
Political Implications
Ukraine breathed a sigh of relief after Orban, Europe's closest Russian ally who vehemently opposed aid for Ukraine, lost the vote. Ukrainian officials expressed hope that Magyar will adopt a more pragmatic tone in bilateral relations.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
