Ukrainian foreign minister speaks of "Russian-style tactics" in Hungarian provocations
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has spoken of the "Russian-style tactics" used in "Hungarian provocations" in connection with the detention in Budapest of seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit staff and the seizure of cash and gold.
Source: Sybiha on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Sybiha said Hungary's abduction of the Ukrainian cash-in-transit staff has crossed all boundaries.
"Actions like this have nothing to do with either law or partnership. This is outright use of force against citizens of Ukraine," he stressed.
The minister also described the steps Ukraine has taken in response to the situation.
Quote: "During the night we immediately drew public attention to the situation. At the same late hour, an official note was sent to the Hungarian side demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian citizens and an end to this arbitrariness. Early this morning the acting chargé d'affaires of Hungary in Ukraine was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine."
Details: Sybiha emphasised that Ukraine demanded immediate explanations, consular access and the release of its citizens.
He also said a coordination meeting had been held at the Foreign Ministry involving all relevant structural departments.
The minister also linked the situation to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, noting that the Ukraine issue is increasingly being used there as a tool in domestic politics.
"We have seen this many times before. But this time, the situation has crossed a dangerous line. Increasingly, what we hear from Budapest is not European logic, but the familiar tones of Moscow. The voice of Moscow from a Hungarian chair is growing louder. Everyone in Europe, from Brussels to every capital, must understand this," he said.
Sybiha added that Ukraine will protect its citizens and will not allow them to be used as instruments of political manipulation.
Quote: "We will not allow anyone to speak to us in the language of ultimatums, blackmail or threats. Ukraine is not a country that can be spoken to like this. I am convinced that we will resolve this situation and bring our citizens back, but what happened will not be ignored and will not remain without a response, including legal, sanctions-related and international legal measures."
Background:
- 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 the Ukrainian cash-in-transit staff and a large amount of currency. The employees, from Oschadbank, were transporting the cash from Austria to Ukraine.
- Sybiha described the actions of the Hungarian authorities as "terrorism and hostage-taking", and the ministry has advised Ukrainian citizens to refrain from travelling to Hungary.
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