Ukrainian Hryvnia Strengthens: Dollar and Euro Drop on May 16 Official Exchange Rates

Official Exchange Rates for May 16, 2026

According to Главком: The National Bank of Ukraine has released its official currency exchange rates for May 16, 2026. Both the US dollar and the euro declined in value compared to the previous day, while the Polish zloty saw an increase. The official rates today are set at 43.95 UAH for the dollar, 51.43 UAH for the euro, and 12.13 UAH for the Polish zloty. This daily update is critical for businesses and travelers in Ukraine who rely on accurate forex benchmarks.

NBU Board Decision and Currency Market Dynamics

The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine has decided to maintain the key policy rate at 15%. This decision comes amid shifting economic conditions. Notably, after a steady deceleration from June 2025 to January 2026, inflation began to rise again following January 2026. The central bank also approved an operation to exchange non-cash currency from banks into cash, a move that could reshape market liquidity and participant behavior.

As of 09:30 on May 16, 2026, exchange rates at various banks were as follows:

• Oschadbank: USD 43.85/44.30, EUR 51.20/51.70;
• Privatbank: USD 43.75/44.35, EUR 50.70/51.70, GBP 56.00/59.00, PLN 11.60/12.11;
• PUMB: USD 43.80/44.40, EUR 51.20/51.90, GBP 58.20/59.60, PLN 11.85/12.15;
• monobank: USD 43.91/44.41, EUR 51.06/51.75;
• Raiffeisen: USD 43.85/44.29, EUR 51.10/51.65, GBP 57.10/60.50, PLN 11.40/12.40, CHF 53.30/57.20;
• OTP Bank: USD 43.80/44.10, EUR 51.10/51.80, CHF 55.64/56.63;
• Ukrsibbank: USD 43.90/44.38, EUR 51.05/51.79, GBP 57.90/59.75, CHF 55.10/56.85.

Overall, the currency market remains volatile, and further shifts are likely as global economic trends evolve. As analyst Vitaliy Shapran noted, 'Once the final trade agreement between the US and the EU is signed, the market will return to normal.' This statement underscores the role of international economic ties in stabilizing Ukraine's exchange rates and broader financial outlook.

Vitaliy Shapran noted: 'As soon as the final trade agreement between the US and the EU is signed, the market will enter a normal course.'

This highlights the importance of global economic relationships in stabilizing currency rates and Ukraine's overall economic situation.

As the National Bank of Ukraine maintains its key policy rate amid fluctuating economic conditions, understanding the broader implications of these decisions is essential. For further insights into the central bank's recent actions and their impact on currency rates, you can read more about the central bank's steady approach to interest rates.