Zelensky accuses Orbán of ‘stealing’ seized Ukrainian funds, seeks talks with Hungary’s incoming PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticised outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, alleging that Budapest effectively “stole” a large shipment of Ukrainian funds seized earlier this year.

Speaking in a weekend interview, Zelensky said he hoped Ukraine could soon recover the nearly HUF 30 billion worth of cash and gold, originally transported from Austria to Ukraine, but indicated future negotiations would likely be conducted with Hungary’s incoming leader, Péter Magyar.

“Orbán simply stole this money,” Zelensky said, adding that discussions would now move forward with Magyar, whose electoral victory means a major political shift in Hungary.

Seizure linked to oil pipeline dispute

The controversy centres on two Ukrainian cash transport vehicles intercepted in Hungary in March. Hungarian authorities, citing suspicions of money laundering, confiscated tens of millions of dollars and euros, along with several kilograms of gold. While the vehicles themselves are set to be returned, the assets remain withheld.

Government figures previously suggested the move was tied to tensions over the Druzhba oil pipeline, a key energy route supplying Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia via Ukraine. The pipeline has been at the heart of escalating disputes after oil flows were halted earlier this year.

Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is prepared to restart deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline by the end of April, despite his continued opposition to purchasing Russian oil. He stressed, however, that Hungary should begin preparing alternative energy sources ahead of EU sanctions tightening in the coming years.

Hungary’s new leadership could reset relations

Zelensky struck a notably more optimistic tone regarding Hungary’s political future, expressing hope that relations would improve under Péter Magyar, Telex writes.

“This is an opportunity for Ukraine, Hungary and EU member states,” he said, referring to cooperation on a proposed EUR 90 billion EU financial package for Ukraine. While Orbán had previously threatened to veto the aid, Magyar has signalled he would not block the initiative, despite opposing Ukraine’s fast-tracked EU accession.

Magyar responded cautiously to Zelensky’s remarks, stating he could only formally address the issue of the seized funds once he assumes office. He also noted that key details of the case remain unclear, describing earlier reports as potentially influenced by propaganda.

Pipeline tensions and political fallout

The Druzhba pipeline dispute has become a flashpoint in already strained Hungarian–Ukrainian relations. Kyiv attributes the earlier shutdown to Russian drone strikes, while Budapest has suggested political motives or insufficient repair efforts on Ukraine’s part.

The row even prompted Orbán to raise the possibility of vetoing EU financial support for Ukraine, despite Hungary being exempt from contributing financially to the package.

Zelensky: Hungarian election shows limits of “hate politics”

Zelensky also weighed in on Hungary’s recent parliamentary election, which saw Orbán’s government suffer a decisive defeat.

He argued the result demonstrated the limits of divisive political strategies, particularly those targeting Ukraine.

“You cannot win forever by building on hatred,” Zelensky said, adding that while such tactics may deliver short-term gains, they ultimately fail in the long run. He pointed to his own portrayal in Hungarian government campaigns as an example of broader anti-Ukrainian messaging rejected by voters.

If you missed it: Péter Magyar: Druzhba oil pipeline could resume operations next week