Ukrainian ambassador denied entry to Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Centre

It was reported that after checking the documents, a man in a TEK uniform approached Shandor. They exchanged a few words, after which the ambassador remained waiting in his car near the entrance.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told journalists that, as of now, the Hungarian side has taken no real steps to ensure consular access or the release of the Ukrainian citizens.

“As of now, apart from public statements, the Hungarian side has taken no real steps regarding consular access or the release of Ukrainian citizens. We continue to demand their immediate release and consular access. The Ukrainian ambassador and our consuls have been directly at the location where the Ukrainians are being held, demanding access, for more than an hour and a half,” he said.

On March 6, it became known that Hungary had detained two armored vehicles belonging to Ukraine’s Oschadbank cash collection service and seven Ukrainian citizens — members of the cash collection crew — during the transit transport of valuables through Budapest.

The vehicles contained $40 million, €35 million and 9 kilograms of gold. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Hungarian authorities had effectively “taken Ukrainians hostage” and stolen the money. Contact with the Oschadbank employees has been lost and their current condition is unknown.

Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration later said the seven Oschadbank employees had been detained on suspicion of “money laundering.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said Budapest had not allowed Ukrainian consuls to meet with the detainees and later urged Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling to neighboring Hungary.

Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration later said the seven Ukrainian citizens detained in Budapest along with the Oschadbank armored vehicles would be deported from Hungarian territory.