Zelenskyy calls Hungary's treatment of Oschadbank cash-in-transit workers "banditry"

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described Hungary's treatment of seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers and seizure of Oschadbank funds as "banditry".

Zelenskyy was asked during an online press briefing whether Ukraine has received support from any of its partners regarding the actions of the Hungarian security services – described as "banditry" – and how he would describe the events of 5 March.

"I think your example of banditry is very appropriate," he said.

Asked why Ukraine's partners have mostly stayed silent about the situation, Zelenskyy said: "Europe needs one thing today: not to stay silent." He said he has told partners this in conversations with them.

János Lázár, Hungary's Minister of Construction and Transport, has made it clear that the seizure of the Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards and confiscation of money was carried out in response to Ukraine's alleged "blocking" of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Budapest has effectively admitted to hostage-taking and seizing Ukrainian funds for blackmail and described the Hungarian government's actions as "state terrorism".