May 21 Exchange Rates Published by Ukraine’s Central Bank: Dollar and Euro Both Rise

Official Exchange Rates for May 21, 2026

According to Главком: Ukraine’s National Bank (NBU) released updated official exchange rates on May 21, 2026. The U.S. dollar climbed to 44.22 hryvnias, an increase of 7 kopiyok from the previous rate. The euro also edged up by 1 kopiyka, reaching 51.30 hryvnias. In contrast, the Polish zloty fell by 3 kopiyok, settling at 12.05 hryvnias.

The NBU’s official exchange rates for May 21, 2026 are as follows:

• U.S. dollar (USD) - 44.2271 hryvnias
• Euro (EUR) - 51.3034 hryvnias
• British pound (GBP) - 59.2510 hryvnias
• Polish zloty (PLN) - 12.0579 hryvnias
• Swiss franc (CHF) - 55.9695 hryvnias

Commercial banks are offering varying rates. At Oschadbank, the dollar buys at 43.90 hryvnias and sells at 44.45 hryvnias, while the euro is quoted at 51.05 hryvnias (buy) and 51.70 hryvnias (sell). PrivatBank lists the dollar at 43.85/44.45 hryvnias and the euro at 50.80/51.80 hryvnias. FUIB reports dollar rates of 44.00/44.60 hryvnias and euro rates of 51.30/52.00 hryvnias. Other banks, including monobank and Raiffeisen, offer rates within similar ranges.

Key Rate and Inflation Outlook

The NBU’s board kept its key policy rate unchanged at 15%. Inflation, which had been slowing from June 2025 through January 2026, began rising again after January 2026. This uptick was driven by higher energy costs, a sharp increase in fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict, a weaker hryvnia exchange rate, and rising wages.

The NBU also decided to conduct an operation to exchange non-cash currency for cash. Vitaliy Shapran, a former chief monetary policy expert at the NBU Council Secretariat, commented:

“The dollar cannot remain weak against the euro forever, and once a final trade agreement is signed between the U.S. and the EU, the market will return to normal.” - Vitaliy Shapran

According to forecasts, the stabilization of gold prices will depend on China’s stance and the relationship between Washington and Beijing. This means the currency market and Ukraine’s economy remain dynamic and require close monitoring.

The rise in the dollar and euro exchange rates signals growing demand for foreign currency amid economic uncertainty tied to global events and domestic factors. The NBU’s decision to hold the key rate steady reflects its effort to curb inflation and support hryvnia stability as energy and other commodity prices climb. The varying rates offered by commercial banks may influence how consumers and businesses choose to conduct currency transactions.