Ukrainian foreign minister does not rule out sanctions and other restrictive measures against Hungary

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Ukraine reserves the right to take response measures after Hungary detained Ukrainian cash-in-transit vehicles carrying cash and gold as well as bank employees.

The minister stressed that all those responsible for the seizure and detention of Ukrainian citizens would be held accountable.

"We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures," Sybiha noted on X.

He also reiterated Ukraine's demand that Hungary stop dragging Ukraine into its domestic politics and election campaign.

Sybiha expressed hope for a decisive reaction from international partners.

"We will also gather the foreign diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to brief them on Hungary's unacceptable actions, refute absurd accusations, and urge support in demanding accountability," he wrote.

Sybiha also explained that the morning statements and demands made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán towards Ukraine were also related to the Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers and their cargo seized by Hungary.

Earlier on Friday, the Hungarian government said it planned to deport seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards who had been detained by the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary.

The National Bank of Ukraine was the first to report the seizure of Ukrainian cash-in-transit staff and a large amount of currency. The employees were from Oschadbank and were transporting cash from Austria to Ukraine.

Sybiha described the actions of the Hungarian authorities as "terrorism and hostage-taking", and the ministry advised Ukrainian citizens to refrain from travelling to Hungary.