Oschadbank, the state-owned bank of Ukraine, has formally requested that Hungary return cash-in-transit vehicles and valuables that it claims were unlawfully seized. This incident dates back to March 5, when seven of the bank's employees were detained, and two of their armored vehicles were confiscated by Hungarian authorities while transporting valuables. The bank asserts that these actions not only violated international laws but also hampered its operations in the European Union, as the detained employees have now returned to Ukraine while the vehicles remain in Hungary's possession.

In response to the situation, Oschadbank has articulated a two-pronged strategy to reclaim its assets. First, the bank is contesting the restrictions placed on its employees by Hungary's migration authorities, which have affected their ability to operate within the EU. Second, it plans to initiate legal action to recover the cash-in-transit vehicles and the valuables, which are reported to be valued at around US$40 million. This approach illustrates the bank's commitment to safeguarding its rights and assets.

This demand from Oschadbank highlights the broader implications of this incident for Ukraine-Hungary relations and raises concerns about the treatment of Ukrainian enterprises abroad. The ongoing diplomatic discussions could be pivotal in establishing precedents regarding property rights and the handling of cross-border business operations. As this situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching the response of Hungary and its adherence to international legal standards regarding property and diplomatic immunity.