The regulator’s sudden decision to issue money of a much higher denomination has sparked a wave of concern among Ukrainians, forcing officials to urgently explain whether the “printing press” is turned on in the country and whether to expect the appearance of even larger denominations.
The NBU responded whether a 5,000 hryvnia banknote will be printed
Following the official announcement of the release of the new highest denomination banknote of 2,000 hryvnias, questions about the financial regulator’s next steps began to spread actively among Ukrainians. Citizens became very interested whether the next stage of the reform would be the appearance of even larger banknotes in wallets – for example, denominations of 5,000 hryvnias.
This was reported by the press service of the National Bank of Ukraine, and they provided an answer to the society’s main concerns.
Should we expect 5,000 hryvnias?
The National Bank explained that decisions on introducing new denominations are made not spontaneously, but based on in-depth analysis of economic factors. Specialists use special mathematical models, which are used by leading central banks worldwide. In response to the question about the possibility of introducing a 5,000 hryvnia banknote, the regulator clarified everything.
“When considering the issue of introducing higher denomination banknotes, the National Bank primarily takes into account economic factors and models. Currently, the optimal highest denomination for our country is 2,000 hryvnias,” the department emphasized, dismissing the idea of a five-thousand hryvnia note.
Why was there a pressing need for a two-thousand hryvnia note?
The main reason for this update was significant economic changes over the past seven years. Since the appearance of the 1,000 hryvnia banknote, the average salary of Ukrainians has tripled, and prices have doubled. If previously ten of the highest denomination banknotes were enough to pay the average salary, now it requires over 30 such notes.
In addition, due to the war, the amount of cash in circulation has more than doubled and now exceeds 970 billion hryvnias. At the same time, the NBU reassures that the issuance of new money does not mean turning on the “printing press.” New banknotes will be issued exclusively to replace worn-out ones, so this will not cause inflation to increase in any way.
Innovative protection and historical symbolism
Officially, the 2,000 hryvnia banknote will enter circulation on September 4, 2026. It will feature the prominent Ukrainian dissident poet Vasyl Stus. The date itself has deep historical symbolism, as it was on this day that the poet held his first public protest, and exactly 20 years later, he tragically died in a Soviet camp.
The new money will be a true technological breakthrough in security and will have over 20 security features. This is the world’s first banknote to feature the unique AnimaTM Colour animated stripe. Thanks to this polychromatic detail, when the angle of inclination is changed, the image of the Tryzub will impressively transform into the hryvnia sign.
We remind you that psychologically, the appearance of new money can have a depressing effect on the population, who may perceive it as a signal for price increases. However, experts assure that the appearance of the new 2,000 hryvnia banknote will not affect prices, as it will not increase the amount of money in circulation.
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