Launch of the New 2,000 Hryvnia Banknote
Ukraine's central bank has announced a new 2,000 hryvnia banknote featuring the portrait of poet Vasyl Stus, set to enter circulation on September 4, 2026. The decision stems from economic factors: 1,000 hryvnia notes now account for 55% of all cash in circulation, while the average monthly salary has climbed to 30,961 hryvnia. This marks the first new highest denomination since the 1,000 hryvnia note debuted in 2019.
National Bank Governor Andriy Pyshnyi unveiled the banknote during a July 10 press briefing in Kyiv. He noted that seven years ago, paying the average salary in cash required about ten of the largest denomination notes, but now it takes over thirty 1,000 hryvnia bills. Cash in circulation has also surged from nearly 390 billion hryvnia in 2019 to over 970 billion hryvnia as of July 1, 2026.
Design and Security Features
The 2,000 hryvnia note predominantly uses violet-blue and pink hues. The obverse features Stus's portrait and signature, with the denomination '2000' and the hryvnia symbol in the lower left corner. The reverse depicts the philology faculty of Donetsk National University named after Stus, alongside a quote from his poetry. The banknote incorporates over 20 modern security elements, including the world's first AnimaTM Colour windowed security thread—a polychromatic, animated strip. When tilted, the trident image shifts from purple to golden-green, and the trident transforms into the hryvnia sign.
The choice of Stus was ultimately decided by children: in a competition run by the NBU's Money Museum, school students were asked to draw a historical figure, and six entries depicted Vasyl Stus. The last time Ukraine introduced a new highest denomination was in 2019 with the 1,000 hryvnia note featuring academician Volodymyr Vernadskyi. This new denomination will help banks and the state significantly reduce cash transport and storage costs.
Vasyl Stus, a renowned Ukrainian poet, left behind many quotes reflecting his deep thoughts and emotions.
“One does not choose their fate, but accepts it as it already is” — Vasyl Stus.His words
“An artist is needed by their people only when their work merges with the cry of their nation” — Vasyl Stus.highlight the role of creativity in society. Thus, the new 2,000 hryvnia note will not only serve as a store of value but also as a symbol of Ukrainian culture and history.
The introduction of the 2,000 hryvnia banknote reflects the adaptation of Ukraine's financial system to modern economic realities and growing cash demand. With the 1,000 hryvnia note already dominating circulation, the new denomination aims to simplify cash transactions and reduce the burden on banks and the state. Featuring Vasyl Stus's portrait also underscores the importance of cultural heritage in Ukraine, fostering an emotional connection between citizens and their history.
The introduction of the new 2,000 hryvnia banknote not only highlights the legacy of Vasyl Stus but also reflects significant economic changes in Ukraine. To understand the broader implications of this release and its impact on the currency landscape, you can read more about the upcoming issuance of this banknote featuring the renowned poet.