Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong condemnation of Hungary's treatment of seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers, describing it as "banditry" during an online press briefing. This statement came in response to Hungary's security services' seizure of both the workers and funds belonging to Oschadbank, a prominent Ukrainian financial institution. Zelenskyy's remarks highlight the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, particularly regarding the treatment of Ukrainian nationals and the handling of financial matters.

In the press briefing, Zelenskyy addressed the lack of support from Ukraine's partners, expressing disappointment over their silence about the Hungarian government's actions. He emphasized the need for European allies to speak out and described the silence surrounding such incidents as unacceptable. The incident has brought to the forefront issues of national sovereignty and the treatment of foreign nationals, which are critical in the diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Hungary.

The backdrop of this incident includes Hungary's Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár, who has underlined the legal justification for the actions taken against the Ukrainian workers, suggesting that the matter involves compliance with Hungarian law. This tension signifies larger issues in regional politics, where the implications for cross-border relations and the treatment of Ukrainian citizens in Hungary are becoming increasingly contentious.