Hungarian Prime Minister Elect Defers Oschadbank Asset Talks Until After Taking Office

(BUDAPEST, HUNGARY) – Hungarian Prime Minister elect Péter Magyar has stated that he will address the return of blocked assets belonging to Ukraine’s state owned Oschadbank with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy only after formally assuming office. The comments were reported by Hungarian news outlet Telex.

Magyar expressed scepticism regarding the details of the case, which involves the reported disappearance of assets valued at approximately 75 million dollars. “We do not know the reality. We have seen propaganda news,” the incoming prime minister said, appealing for “common sense” in assessing the situation.

The politician added that once he takes office, he will have “more important issues” to discuss with the Ukrainian president than the Oschadbank matter, indicating that the banking dispute will not be an immediate priority for his administration.

The case dates to March, when Oschadbank reported the unjustified detention of two armoured vehicles and the disappearance of seven of its employees in Hungary. According to the bank, the total value of assets held in the two vehicles amounted to 40 million dollars (approximately 32.6 million pounds sterling), 35 million euros (approximately 30.1 million pounds sterling), and nine kilogrammes of banking gold.

The seven Oschadbank cash collection service employees were subsequently returned to Ukraine. The bank reported that the staff members were in a severe emotional state following the ordeal, with one individual experiencing an exacerbation of a chronic illness attributed to the incident.

Oschadbank has indicated that it will pursue its interests through all available international legal channels. “The bank will consistently defend its interests in all international instances,” the institution stated.

The dispute adds a layer of complexity to bilateral relations between Kyiv and Budapest at a moment of political transition in Hungary. Magyar’s election victory over incumbent Viktor Orban has raised expectations of a potential recalibration of Hungarian foreign policy, though the incoming prime minister’s remarks suggest that certain contentious bilateral issues may not receive immediate attention.

The Oschadbank asset seizure represents one of several unresolved financial and diplomatic matters between the two neighbouring states. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously characterised Hungary’s position on the matter as “blackmail,” pointing to the sensitivity of the dispute.

Magyar’s decision to defer substantive discussions until after he formally takes office leaves the matter in abeyance, with no immediate resolution anticipated. The incoming Hungarian government has yet to outline its specific policy approach toward Ukraine, though Magyar’s electoral campaign suggested a departure from the overtly obstructionist stance adopted by his predecessor regarding European Union support for Kyiv.