On 6 March, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis, together with Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Dmytro Oliinyk and Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Oschadbank Yurii Katsion, held a briefing for heads of diplomatic missions of EU Member States in Ukraine and a representative of the Embassy of the United States regarding the unlawful detention of Ukrainian cash collectors in Hungary.

During the briefing, foreign diplomats were informed about the details and circumstances of the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens, employees of JSC Oschadbank, while transporting currency valuables from Austria to Ukraine. It was emphasized that the transportation of cash funds and banking metals was carried out in full compliance with international law, EU customs legislation, and bilateral agreements. The cargo had all the necessary accompanying documents confirming its legal origin and intended purpose. Foreign diplomats were presented with all the facts refuting the absurd accusations voiced by the Hungarian side.

Yevhen Perebyinis stressed the unacceptability of Hungary’s actions, which Ukraine regards as an act of state terrorism and political blackmail.

The Deputy Minister called on European diplomats to bring this information to the attention of the European Commission and the governments of EU Member States in order to take all possible measures for the swift release of Ukrainian citizens.