The NBU has announced the launch date for the new 2,000-hryvnia banknote
The National Bank of Ukraine has announced when the new 2,000-hryvnia banknote—the highest denomination—will enter circulation. Its introduction is linked to changes in the economy, rising wages and prices, and an increase in the amount of cash in circulation.
The National Bank of Ukraine will put the 2,000-hryvnia banknote into circulation on September 4, 2026. The banknote itself was unveiled in advance so that banking and non-banking institutions would have time to configure their equipment, and so that citizens and businesses could familiarize themselves with its design and security features.
The new banknote will feature Vasyl Stus—a Ukrainian poet of the 1960s and a fighter for Ukraine’s independence in the 20th century.
The symbolic date of introduction
September 4 was chosen for its historical symbolism:
On September 4, 1965, during the premiere of the film *Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors* at the “Ukraine” movie theater in Kyiv, Vasyl Stus, Vyacheslav Chornovil, and Ivan Dziuba staged the first open public protest in the USSR against the political repression of the Ukrainian intelligentsia.
On September 4, 1985, Vasyl Stus died in custody at the “Perm-36” camp.
Why was there a need for a new denomination?
The economy is changing, and the banknote series must correspond to income levels, prices, and the volume of cash in circulation. The 1,000-hryvnia banknote was introduced in 2019, and over the course of nearly seven years, a well-founded need for a 2,000-hryvnia note has emerged due to the following factors:
Rising wages and prices: The average monthly wage in Ukraine has tripled, while inflation has doubled. While in 2019, 10 1,000-hryvnia banknotes were sufficient to receive a salary, in 2026, more than 30 such banknotes will be needed.
Increase in the volume of cash: Due to wartime needs, the volume of cash in circulation has risen from nearly 390 billion hryvnias in 2019 to over 970 billion hryvnias as of July 1, 2026. Reliable cash is critically important, particularly for frontline communities where there is no stable communication.
Cash Circulation Structure: The share of 1,000-hryvnia banknotes by value has already exceeded 55%, which, according to global practice, indicates a need for a higher-denomination bill.
Although 96 out of 100 transactions are cashless, in the realities of war, the financial system must remain resilient, and Ukrainians must have convenient access to secure cash.
Advantages of the new banknote
For the state: Reduced costs for the production, logistics, collection, processing, and storage of cash.
For banks: Reduced operational workload and optimized teller processes.
For retail and business: More convenient customer service and faster cash transactions.
For the public: Convenience in using and storing funds.
Banks will be able to obtain the new banknotes and distribute them to customers starting September 4, 2026.
This was reported by the NBU.
As a reminder, a new 2,000-hryvnia banknote will be introduced in Ukraine.
Getmantsev commented on the impact of the new 2,000-hryvnia banknote on inflation.
