Official Currency Rates for May 23, 2026
The National Bank of Ukraine has published its official exchange rates for May 23, 2026, noting slight shifts in the value of several currencies. The official U.S. dollar rate is set at 44.23 hryvnias, an increase of one kopeck from the previous day. The euro remains unchanged at 51.30 hryvnias, while the Polish zloty rose by two kopecks to 12.07 hryvnias.
According to NBU data, the dollar was fixed at 44.2341 hryvnias, the euro at 51.3027 hryvnias, the British pound at 59.3666 hryvnias, the Polish zloty at 12.0753 hryvnias, and the Swiss franc at 56.1204 hryvnias. Meanwhile, commercial bank rates as of 08:30 on May 23, 2026, varied. For instance, Oschadbank quoted the dollar at 44.00/44.40, the euro at 51.15/51.70, and the zloty at 11.40/12.20.
Economic Conditions in Ukraine
The NBU's board has also decided to keep the key policy rate at 15%. It is worth noting that after a period of decline, inflation in Ukraine began to rise again starting in January 2026. The following factors are cited as drivers of this increase:
- rising energy costs
- Russian shelling
- higher fuel prices amid the conflict in the Middle East
- a weakening hryvnia exchange rate
- wage growth
The NBU plans to conduct an operation to exchange non-cash currency for cash, which could impact the foreign exchange market. These developments highlight the dynamic nature of Ukraine's economic situation and the need to adapt to emerging challenges facing the country.
Ukraine's currency market reflects how both external and domestic factors are shaping the economy. With inflation on the rise and ongoing instability, the NBU continues to maintain a high key policy rate in an effort to curb inflationary pressures. Currency exchange operations may prove crucial for market stabilization, but they also require careful oversight from the regulator and market participants alike.