Ukraine's Cash Supply Hits 926 Billion Hryvnias, Signaling Shifts in Currency Use

Ukraine's Cash Circulation Statistics for 2026

According to ХВИЛЯ: The National Bank of Ukraine has released its annual cash circulation data. As of January 1, 2026, the total cash supply in the country reached 926.3 billion hryvnias, marking a significant 12.6% increase, or 103.9 billion hryvnias, compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a revival in consumer demand, driven by economic recovery, rising wages, and social payments. This trend offers a glimpse into the resilience of the Ukrainian economy during a period of ongoing challenges.

Shifts in Cash Composition

At the start of 2026, there was an average of 64 banknotes and 193 coins for every Ukrainian resident. The 500-hryvnia note remains the most common, accounting for 26% of all banknotes. However, the number of 200-hryvnia notes in circulation decreased by 17.6%. For the first time in many years, the quantity of 50 and 100-hryvnia notes increased.

Changes are also evident among coins:

• The withdrawal of 10-kopiyka coins began in October 2025, with over 3 million such coins removed last year.
• The number of 5-hryvnia coins grew by 21%.
• The quantity of 10-hryvnia coins increased by 29%.

These trends indicate public adaptation to infrastructure risks, particularly due to persistent attacks on the energy grid, which have prompted citizens to keep a certain cash reserve. Slowing inflation has also boosted confidence in the national currency as a store of value. The data points to positive economic shifts in Ukraine, including a larger cash volume that may signal stronger consumer demand and financial system stability.

Simultaneously, the population's adaptation to external risks, such as energy attacks, shows citizens are seeking ways to safeguard their financial resources. This behavioral shift could influence future decisions by the National Bank regarding monetary policy and the management of the country's money supply.