Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

Overview and Forecast of Hryvnia Exchange Rate Against Key Currencies by KYT Group Analysts

Issue No. 1 – April 2026

Analysis of the current situation in Ukraine’s foreign exchange market

In the first half of April, Ukraine’s foreign exchange market saw sustained elevated demand; however, the National Bank of Ukraine regularly supports the market through currency interventions, which curbs fluctuations toward hryvnia devaluation.

However, key factors putting pressure on the hryvnia remain, as high demand for foreign currency is fueled by importers’ contracts for fuel, which is becoming significantly more expensive due to the conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, the planting season has been proceeding at a brisk pace since the last ten days of March and continues to do so now, which also fuels demand for fuel and, accordingly, partly explains the specific dynamics of pricing in the fuel market. Contrary to analysts’ expectations, the war between Israel and the U.S. against Iran has not yet brought the parties to the negotiating table, but hopes for this in April are quite high, which is influencing the trajectory of oil prices and also putting pressure on the U.S. dollar.

Global Context

In April, the dollar is losing ground against the euro, and the DXY index shows that the US currency has depreciated by 2.2% over the past month.

Regarding Fed rates, the next meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee is scheduled for late April. Recall that at the March meeting, the benchmark rate was left unchanged in the range of 3.5% to 3.75%. At the upcoming April meeting, no surprises are expected, and thus rates are expected to remain at the same level. And this is despite the fact that it is already clear: the conflict in the Middle East has led to a sharp rise in energy prices and worsened economic prospects. However, Fed officials are waiting to assess how the economy reacts to the war in Iran. Consequently, financial markets are pricing in a 99% probability that the Fed will keep the federal funds rate unchanged at the April meeting. Currently, the financial world is concerned about who will become the next Fed chair, as Jerome Powell’s term as chair ends in May. The issue of the regulator’s independence is very important, as there are known attempts by the Donald Trump administration to pressure the Fed to lower rates in order to stimulate economic activity.

One of the most significant factors affecting the economy (both in the US and the EU) is the situation in the Middle East. The International Monetary Fund has already revised its global economic growth forecast for 2026 downward: expected global GDP growth will be 3.1% instead of the previously projected 3.3%.

The war in Iran is having a significant impact on the oil market—the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is having a serious effect. Oil prices began to fall only in mid-April: over the past two weeks, the price of Brent has dropped from around $108 per barrel to $95 per barrel. The reason is optimism amid potential peace talks between the U.S. and Iran: the U.S. president announced that Tehran had contacted Washington regarding a possible agreement. However, the problems in the oil market remain unresolved, and in its latest monthly report, the IEA stated that global oil supplies suffered “the largest disruption in history”: in March, they were reduced by 10.1 million barrels per day—to 97 million barrels per day.

Due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. dollar is experiencing high volatility. In mid-April, the EUR/USD exchange rate reached 1.1786, although it stood at 1.1520 as recently as late March. Meanwhile, the outlook for the pair’s future trajectory depends not only on the war but also on the inflationary spike expected in Europe due to rising oil prices and, consequently, fuel costs. There is a high probability that the ECB will raise interest rates as early as this summer. Although ECB President Christine Lagarde recently stated that the European Central Bank has not yet decided on the issue of raising interest rates, as the consequences of the war with Iran for the eurozone economy remain unclear.

The Domestic Ukrainian Context

In April, the Ukrainian foreign exchange market continues to be dominated by excess demand over supply. Fuel importers, whose prices continue to rise, have the greatest impact on demand. Earlier in March, the National Bank sold a fairly significant amount of currency on the interbank market—over $4.4 billion—while in February, for example, it sold $2.99 billion. However, interventions decreased somewhat in April: between April 6 and 10, they totaled $765.87 million. Thanks to the NBU’s participation in trading throughout March and then in the first half of April, the hryvnia managed to strengthen, and the exchange rate did not cross the psychological threshold of 44 UAH/USD.

In the cash market in April, demand for dollars and euros remained steady but declined significantly compared to the peak growth in March. Last month, cash currency purchases rose to $2.39 billion, while net cash currency purchases by the public in March amounted to $968 million. In April, thanks to a fairly stable exchange rate situation, there is no rush at cash desks and exchange offices, nor is there a shortage of cash dollars and euros.

In the macroeconomic sphere, Ukraine is in a rather difficult period of waiting. The first review of the International Monetary Fund program is scheduled for June 2026, and provided the review is successful, the fund will disburse the first tranche of $686 million. Meanwhile, the European Union has yet to resolve the issue of disbursing funds to Ukraine under a €90 billion loan program. These resources are critically important for the stability of the Ukrainian economy and for financing the budget deficit. However, the decision to grant the loan was previously blocked by the position of Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Recently, Péter Magyar, who became Hungary’s new prime minister, stated that the country would lift its veto on the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine as soon as oil supplies from Ukraine to Hungary via the pipeline are restored. Oil supplies are expected to resume in May, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that repair work on the pipeline would be completed by the end of April.

U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate: Trends and Analysis

In the first half of April, the hryvnia strengthened: while the NBU’s official exchange rate stood at 43.91 UAH/USD at the beginning of the month, it was 43.51 UAH/USD as of April 16. However, the interbank market was still influenced by increased demand, while supply was primarily shaped by interventions from the National Bank of Ukraine. The interbank rate stood at 43.85 UAH per dollar in early April and reached 43.44–43.5 UAH/dollar by mid-month.

In April, exchange rate fluctuations in the cash market stabilized, and the exchange rate moved toward a strengthening of the hryvnia. Overall, the buying rate for cash dollars in mid-April stood at 43.10–43.35 UAH/USD, whereas at the beginning of the month the buying rate was in the range of 43.40–43.60 UAH/USD. The selling rate for cash dollars in mid-April was 43.7–43.8 UAH/USD, while at the beginning of April, the selling rate at bank teller windows and currency exchange offices was in the range of 43.99–44.15 UAH/USD. As for the spreads between the buying and selling rates, they narrowed slightly—to 0.3–0.55 UAH/USD—which indicates a stabilization of the situation and a reduction in currency risk for institutions, and also suggests a positive outlook regarding the absence of panic demand for cash currency in the coming weeks.

Key influencing factors:

· Reduction in the volume of currency interventions by the NBU: The National Bank remains the main market maker in the foreign exchange market; however, in April, the regulator’s dollar sales volumes were already lower than in March, and exchange rate fluctuations were smoother.

· Strengthening of the hryvnia exchange rate in April: this was facilitated by a temporary decline in demand for foreign currency from importing companies, as well as a noticeable drop in demand in the cash market.

· International factors: The dollar is losing ground in the global market amid the complex situation in the Middle East and expectations of de-escalation between Iran and the U.S., which is driving investors back to euro-denominated assets.

· Market behavioral expectations: The dollar remains a stable, liquid asset in the domestic market, and the hryvnia’s short-term strengthening provides an incentive for active investment in this currency.

Forecast

· Short term (1–2 weeks): base range of 43.70–44.20 UAH/USD, with likely fluctuations toward hryvnia depreciation, though rebounds toward the national currency’s strengthening are also possible.

· Medium term (2–3 months): 44.20–44.85 UAH/USD. On the international market, fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate will be influenced by the situation in the Middle East and potential negotiations between Tehran and Washington. There is a high probability that the Fed will not change rates at least until summer, which will give investors confidence in the growth potential of the U.S. economy despite all the risks caused by the war in Iran. A trend toward dollar strengthening is possible, especially after the situation in the Middle East stabilizes.

· Long-term (6+ months): the baseline scenario is a devaluation of the hryvnia to 44.5–45.5 UAH/$. The national currency will remain under pressure from both external and internal factors, with the most significant being signals from partners regarding continued support for Ukraine, the receipt of a tranche from the IMF, and the $90 billion loan program from the EU.

Euro exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

In April, the euro’s exchange rate against the hryvnia rose due to the global trend of the euro strengthening and the U.S. dollar weakening, which correspondingly affected the euro’s exchange rate in Ukraine. April began with the official euro exchange rate at 50.45 UAH/EUR, and as of April 16, the rate reached 51.27 UAH/EUR.

Meanwhile, there was no increased demand for the euro in Ukraine’s cash market in April, as the stabilization of the dollar’s exchange rate on the interbank and cash markets dampened the frenzy. At currency exchange offices and bank teller windows, the euro exchange rate fluctuated as follows during the first half of April: in early April, the buying rate was 50.0–50.7 UAH/EUR and the selling rate was 51.0–51.2 UAH/EUR, while in mid-April, the buying rate rose to 50.85–51.0 UAH/EUR. The strengthening of the euro on the global market was also reflected in the selling rate for cash euros—the rate reached 51.5–51.8 UAH/EUR.

Spreads between exchange rates widened again in mid-April amid continued uncertainty regarding the euro’s trajectory on the global market; consequently, banks have again set spreads at 0.5–1 UAH/EUR instead of the previous 0.5–0.6 UAH/EUR.

Key influencing factors:

· The euro is strengthening on the international market amid a decline in the US dollar: the euro-dollar exchange rate rose to 1.1786 in April, which influenced the exchange rate trajectory on Ukraine’s domestic market.

· Investors are returning to euro-denominated assets as they lose confidence in the US dollar: the conflict in the Middle East is not over, and the ECB may raise rates as early as this summer due to inflationary pressures.

· Declining demand for the euro in Ukraine: The public bought a large amount of currency in March, and in early April, ahead of Easter celebrations, currency sales predominated as people made necessary preparations for the holiday. The stable hryvnia-to-dollar exchange rate fostered expectations of no turmoil in the currency market, and demand for the euro fell.

Forecast:

· Short term (2–4 weeks): if the euro continues to strengthen on the global market, the euro may remain within the 51.0–51.90 UAH/€ range on the Ukrainian market.

· Medium term (2–4 months): the euro may appreciate to 52.5 UAH/€. Falling oil prices and updated data from the ECB on eurozone inflation could strengthen the euro’s position.

· Long term (6+ months): if negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are successful and following the Fed’s decision on the next rate cut, the exchange rate may settle within the range of 52.80–53.60 UAH/€.

Recommendations for businesses and investors

Geopolitical turbulence influences financial decisions and confidence in currency assets. Key directions of change will be determined by the negotiation track between Tehran and Washington. Investors need to monitor the news, especially statements from Iran.

Fed rates will influence the future exchange rate trajectory of the EUR/USD pair. Currently, traders are confident in rate stability, but Jerome Powell’s departure from the chairmanship in May could throw a wrench in the works.

The U.S. labor market as an indicator. Investors should study official publications from the U.S. Department of Labor to react in a timely manner to the high probability of another round of Fed rate cuts.

Oil prices move in tandem with currency quotes. A significant drop in oil prices would signal improved prospects for the U.S. dollar and, consequently, the potential for a slight decline in the euro’s exchange rate.

Focus on safe-haven assets. Geopolitical conflicts and high risks of a slowdown in the growth rates of the world’s major economies are making it increasingly relevant to invest in straightforward instruments, including the dollar and the euro.

ECB decisions will influence the euro exchange rate. As inflation rises in Europe, the ECB may raise base rates. This could weaken the euro’s position.

The key requirement is high liquidity. Investors can build their portfolios in various currencies, but given liquidity, the dollar and the euro remain the core assets. Other currencies that can be used in your strategy include the British pound, the Swiss franc, and the Polish zloty.

The US dollar is at the center of the currency strategy. Despite the uneven fluctuations of the dollar exchange rate on the global market, dollar holdings in a portfolio can range from 40% to 70%, as the dollar’s role as the world’s primary reserve currency and the devaluation trends regarding hryvnia exchange rate fluctuations in Ukraine determine the absolute importance of dollar holdings.

The NBU’s discount rate as a signal for a short-term shift to the hryvnia. If the NBU raises the discount rate, a small portion of holdings can be reallocated to hryvnia-denominated assets—short-term deposits or government bonds. However, this involves investing approximately 10–15% of the portfolio.

What’s important in the news. First and foremost, information on negotiations between Iran and the U.S., oil market prices, new decisions by the Fed and the ECB, as well as analysis of inflation levels in Europe and the U.S. In Ukraine, the main drivers of currency market behavior will be the situation on the fuel market, possible large-scale shelling of infrastructure facilities by the aggressor, as well as news regarding the receipt of tranches from partners and creditors.

This material was prepared by analysts at KYT Group, an international multi-service product FinTech platform, and reflects their expert, analytical, and professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation for action.

The company and its analysts make no representations and assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is,” without any additional warranties of completeness, obligations regarding timeliness, or updates or supplements.

Users of this material must independently assess risks and make informed decisions based on their own evaluation and analysis of the situation using various available sources that they themselves deem sufficiently qualified. Before making any investment decisions, we recommend consulting with an independent financial advisor.

ABOUT

KYT Group is an international multi-service product-based FinTech marketplace platform that provides financial companies with access to services for promoting their offerings, as well as advertising and consulting services.

 

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Foreign Exchange Market Forecast – KYT Group analysts present their outlook on hryvnia exchange rate

Issue No. 1 – March 2026

The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current situation in Ukraine’s currency market and a forecast of the hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies based on up-to-date data. We examine current conditions, market dynamics, key influencing factors, and likely scenarios for future developments.

Analysis of the Current Situation in the Foreign Exchange Market

In March, Ukraine’s foreign exchange market entered a phase of increasing turbulence driven by both external and internal factors.

The exchange rate trajectory is consistently and quite rapidly moving toward hryvnia devaluation, with this trend significantly intensifying in the first half of March. The focus in March is on the military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which is causing increased turbulence in the fuel market and contributing to the weakness of the euro. In Ukraine’s domestic market, there has been a sharp rise in demand for the dollar and the euro, while the National Bank is trying to balance high demand for foreign currency with the need to maintain international reserves at a sufficient level. Meanwhile, inflation is gaining momentum, and Ukraine’s receipt of the promised €90 billion from the EU is being delayed due to the outright dissatisfaction of Hungary and Slovakia.

Global Context

In global markets, the dollar is strengthening against a backdrop of a weakening euro. The DXY index shows that the U.S. currency has appreciated by 3.33% over the past month, while the euro is losing ground.

The main trigger is the situation in the fuel market, caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Oil prices have surged sharply as Iran has intensified attacks on oil and transportation facilities across the Middle East, fueling fears about the duration of the conflict and potential disruptions in oil supplies. The price of Brent crude rose in mid-March to over $101.40 per barrel. Moreover, the price of oil was unaffected by the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) announcement of its intention to release a record 400 million barrels of oil to mitigate the economic impact of the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Currently, investors are concerned that the global economy will take longer to recover if attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz continue. Some analysts have already forecast that oil prices could rise to $140 per barrel in the coming weeks.

The EUR/USD pair experienced several significant fluctuations in March, but the dollar has managed to strengthen its position. While the month began at 1.1766, by mid-March the U.S. currency had reached 1.1445. The euro is losing ground due to its economy’s reliance on fuel imports from other regions.

Investors currently view the dollar as a safe haven, especially given that the U.S. is a major energy exporter. The longer the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz lasts, the higher the chances of the dollar strengthening against the euro.

However, it is not only the situation in the Middle East that plays a role in potential fluctuations in the exchange rates of major currencies. Investors are awaiting decisions from central banks: will the Fed and the ECB react to the situation and will they change key interest rates?

Expectations regarding decisions in March are quite subdued. The point is that the European Central Bank may raise rates, but not before June. And the U.S. Federal Reserve, whose Committee meeting will take place in late March, may even postpone consideration of a change in the base rate until September. However, everything will depend on the latest data on inflation and the situation in the U.S. labor market.

New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, while inflation in the U.S. remained stable—consumer prices rose by 2.4% in February (year-over-year). However, a war between the U.S. and Iran could trigger an acceleration of inflation to over 3% in the coming months, so uncertainty regarding the Fed’s potential rate decisions is growing, and investors are focused on how the conflict in the Middle East will affect price dynamics.

Domestic Ukrainian Context

In March, the Ukrainian foreign exchange market saw rising demand in both the non-cash and cash segments. The increase in importers’ needs is linked both to purchases of energy equipment required for repairs to energy infrastructure and to a growing need for foreign currency to purchase fuel, as Ukraine is an importer of gasoline and diesel and contracts for the necessary volumes of fuel in European Union countries.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s international reserves decreased by 5% in February and, as of March 1, 2026, stood at $54.75 billion according to preliminary data. The National Bank explained that this trend was driven by the NBU’s currency interventions and the country’s debt payments in foreign currency, and these transactions were only partially offset by inflows from international partners and from the placement of government bonds. The current level of international reserves is sufficient to finance 5.7 months of future imports.

The clear devaluation trend is driving increased demand for cash currency among the public. To prevent a cash currency shortage in the market, the NBU conducted several operations in March to exchange banks’ non-cash currency for cash currency to replenish cash reserves. Consequently, banks have sufficient reserves of foreign currency, and there is no shortage of cash dollars or euros. The NBU reported that it is monitoring the situation and is ready to support banks in supplying cash foreign currency to their teller windows.

As for international aid, it is still unknown when Ukraine will receive the first tranche of the €90 billion approved by the EU as part of its support for 2025–2027. Hungary and Slovakia’s stance is standing in the way. However, the European Union is discussing another option to help Ukraine—providing a bilateral loan of €30 billion, which would not require approval from all EU members.

The domestic currency market is under some pressure because, on the one hand, rising prices for petroleum products are stimulating increased currency purchases on the interbank market, while on the other hand, amid uncertainty regarding further aid tranches from the EU and other partners, the National Bank cannot flood the market with interventions to curb devaluation.

U.S. Dollar Exchange Rate: Trends and Analysis

During the first half of March, the U.S. dollar strengthened on the Ukrainian currency market. The official exchange rate stood at 43.2 UAH per dollar at the beginning of the month, and by the end of the second week of March, it had already reached 44.14 UAH/USD. The interbank market is moving upward in fairly sharp spurts: while March began with a rate of 43.21 UAH per dollar, by March 13, trading was taking place within the 44.12–44.17 UAH/USD range.

The cash market saw devaluation fluctuations in March. The buying rate reached the 43.80–44.10 UAH/USD range in the middle of the month, while the selling rate remained within 44.35–44.60 UAH/USD.

The dynamics of spreads between buying, selling, and the official rate indicate that banks are anticipating further exchange rate fluctuations and are therefore factoring in additional premiums and risks into their rates. The lack of predictability and balance is reflected in the widening of spreads between buying and selling rates in the cash market to 0.45–0.60 UAH/USD.

Key influencing factors:

· Rising demand for foreign currency in the interbank market: importers are increasing their currency purchases, particularly amid rising oil prices.

· Support for the currency market from the National Bank: The NBU responds to spikes in demand with interventions, and the NBU also supports bank tellers to ensure the necessary volumes of foreign currency cash.

· International factors: the strengthening of the dollar in the global market (the DXY index has risen by 3.33% over the past month) is increasing pressure on the hryvnia, compounded by the oil factor, as rising oil prices are driving additional demand for foreign currency, causing demand to grow.

· Market behavioral expectations: The dollar remains the primary asset in the domestic market, with demand rising significantly, fueled by the exchange rate breaking through the psychological threshold of 44 UAH/USD.

Forecast

· Short term (1–2 weeks): base range of 43.90–44.30 UAH/USD, with a likely bias toward 44.20 UAH/USD.

· Medium term (2–3 months): 44.30–44.90 UAH/USD. On the international market, the dollar’s strengthening will be influenced by expectations of stability in the Fed’s rate decisions, as well as the situation in the Middle East. Hostilities in Iran are driving up oil prices, which is seriously weakening the euro’s position.

· Long-term (6+ months): The baseline scenario projects a devaluation of the hryvnia to 44.4–45.5 UAH/USD. Key influencing factors will include the situation on the front lines in Ukraine, the resolution of the issue regarding the arrival of the first tranche of financial aid from the EU to Ukraine, the gap between state budget revenues and expenditures, and the extent of the dollar’s strengthening in the global market.

Euro exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

In the first half of March, the euro-to-hryvnia exchange rate fell, driven by rising global energy prices and investors’ return to the dollar as a safe-haven asset. The corresponding strengthening of the dollar was also reflected in the value of the euro in Ukraine, where the month began with an official exchange rate of 51.02 UAH/EUR, and by mid-month the rate reached 50.66 UAH/EUR.

In the cash segment, the euro exchange rate remained virtually unchanged during the first two weeks of March, driven by relatively high demand.

At the beginning of the month, the euro buying rate at banks and currency exchange offices was 50.3–50.7 UAH/EUR, and the selling rate was 51.3–51.4 UAH/EUR; by mid-March, the euro buying rate stood at 50.2–50.70 UAH/EUR, and the selling rate was 51.1–51.50 UAH/EUR.

Banks factor their risks and the high volatility of the euro into their rates, which is why spreads are widening: in mid-March, the spread between the euro’s buying and selling rates was 0.65–1 UAH/EUR.

Key influencing factors:

· Global weakening of the euro: The euro-to-dollar exchange rate fell to 1.1445 in mid-March, which also affected the euro’s trajectory in the Ukrainian domestic market.

· Expectations of unchanged Fed monetary policy: The dollar is bolstering investor confidence that the benchmark rate will not be changed in March; the international situation and rising oil prices are also weighing on the euro.

· Inflation in the EU may rise due to higher energy prices: this could influence the ECB’s monetary decisions but will not prevent the euro from weakening.

· High demand for cash currency in Ukraine: The NBU is supplying banks with cash to prevent a shortage in the cash market.

Forecast

· Short term (2–4 weeks): given external factors and stable demand, the euro exchange rate may remain within the range of 50.85–51.70 UAH/€.

· Medium term (2–4 months): a break above 52.5 UAH/€ is likely, especially in the event of a sharp strengthening of the dollar in the global market.

· Long-term (6+ months): provided that inflation rises in the EU and the US and central banks decide to adjust benchmark rates, as well as if high oil prices persist for an extended period, a rise to levels above 53.00–53.50 UAH/€ is likely.

Recommendations for businesses and investors

March and April will be full of exchange rate “surprises,” as exchange rate trajectories may be quite volatile and move in different directions. Given the high risks for investors due to the instability of the global security situation and the overheated oil market, currency strategy must remain cautious and flexible, while also accounting for various possible scenarios.

Security – the top priority. Financial instruments are needed that allow for a quick response to a paradigm shift. This means avoiding fixed-term deposits without the option of early termination, as well as focusing on preserving assets without losses, which typically involves holding cash reserves in foreign currency.

Liquidity – a fundamental requirement. Currency assets should be held in liquid currencies, with the dollar and euro remaining the primary ones. However, investors seeking to diversify risks should also consider Swiss francs and British pounds.

The dollar is the cornerstone of currency strategy. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar reinforces the view that dollar holdings should account for at least 50% of an investor’s currency portfolio. The hryvnia’s depreciation trend underscores the importance of holding funds in dollars and, due to uneven exchange rate fluctuations, offers opportunities for short-term speculative trades.

The euro – the decline may turn into growth. Currently, the euro’s exchange rate dynamics are driven by the conflict in the Middle East and the situation in the oil market. However, in the long term, the euro may regain its footing if oil prices stabilize and inflationary pressures in Europe ease. In a balanced currency portfolio, it is advisable to hold about 30% of assets in euros.

Spreads—one of the indicators for decision-making. In the spring of 2026, spreads are widening in both the USD/UAH and EUR/UAH pairs. This is a consequence of high uncertainty and risks faced by market operators, who are factoring in potential high volatility into their exchange rates. For investors in such a situation, it is important not to make hasty moves, but when a narrow spread is present, to consider a quick currency purchase.

It’s time to focus on the euro. The international situation is working against the euro, but for domestic investors, the cheap euro presents a favorable opportunity to enter into euro-denominated investments. If a business model uses the euro as its base currency, it is advisable to factor in potential scenarios where the exchange rate rises above 51.5 UAH/€ in contracts.

The lack of precise exchange rate benchmarks is a reason to update your strategy, not to make hasty decisions. The unpredictability of the exchange rate trajectory creates the impression of a quick profit opportunity. However, it is important to work through several scenarios to avoid getting too carried away with risky speculative transactions.

The hryvnia is for current payments and expenses, not for long-term savings. The hryvnia exchange rate is steadily falling: in January, the interbank market tested the 42.19 UAH/USD level, and in March—44.17 UAH/USD. It makes sense to convert hryvnia holdings into one of the liquid currencies, particularly the dollar and the euro.

What’s important in the news. First and foremost, information about events in the Middle East, oil price dynamics, as well as decisions by the Fed and the ECB. In the domestic market, additional exchange rate spikes are possible due to changes in the energy sector and the receipt of new tranches of international loans and financial aid from partners.

This material was prepared by analysts at KYT Group, an international multi-service product FinTech platform, and reflects their expert, analytical, and professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation for action.

The company and its analysts make no representations and assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is,” without any additional warranties of completeness, obligations regarding timeliness, or updates or supplements.

Users of this material must independently assess risks and make informed decisions based on their own evaluation and analysis of the situation using various available sources that they themselves deem sufficiently qualified. Before making any investment decisions, we recommend consulting with an independent financial advisor.

ABOUT

KYT Group is an international multi-service product-based FinTech marketplace platform that provides financial companies with access to services for promoting their offerings, as well as advertising and consulting services.

 

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Volume of currency interventions by NBU in February decreased by 15.5%, and hryvnia weakened against dollar by 0.8%

In February, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) reduced its interventions in the interbank market by $547.6 million, or 15.5%, to $2 billion 990.5 million, while the official hryvnia-dollar exchange rate fell by 0.8%, or 36 kopecks.

At the same time, in the last week of February, the National Bank increased its sales of dollars on the interbank market by $148.3 million, or 22.4%, to $809.5 million compared to the previous week, while the hryvnia strengthened by almost 0.2%, or 7 kopecks.

According to data from the National Bank, during the first four days of last week, the average daily negative balance of currency purchases and sales by legal entities increased to $117.9 million from $79.3 million during the same period a week earlier, totaling $471.4 million.

On the currency exchange market for the population, the negative balance for Saturday-Thursday also increased to $17.3 million from $16.4 million the week before, with non-cash currency sales exceeding purchases every day.

The official hryvnia-to-dollar exchange rate, which started last week at 43.2747 UAH/$1, ended the week stronger at 43.2081 UAH/$1.

The dollar exchange rate on the cash market also did not change significantly last week: as of February 26, the purchase rate was around 42.92 UAH/$1, and the sale rate was around 43.30 UAH/$1.

Analysts at KYT Group, a major player in the cash currency exchange market (Liberty Finance LLC), note that at the end of February, the spread between the buying and selling rates at bank cash desks and exchange offices is gradually narrowing and stands at around 0.4–0.5 UAH/$.

In their opinion, at the end of February, currency fluctuations were influenced not only by official reports on the labor market and inflation in the US and market expectations of the March 17-18 decision on the key rate, but also by US President Donald Trump’s speech to Congress on February 24: he praised his economic achievements and criticized the Supreme Court for its decision against his tariff policy, calling tariff decisions a key driver of the “economic turnaround.”

“In general, analysts do not expect the dollar to fall sharply in the near future, as the latest statistics indicate good economic prospects, and the majority forecast of an unchanged rate in March should support the dollar’s position,” the company believes.

In the domestic context, KYT Group draws attention to the gradual devaluation of the hryvnia throughout February and the role of the NBU, which maintains the balance of supply and demand through regular interventions, as well as news about international support for Ukraine and risks related to the energy sector.

According to their forecasts, in the short term (1–2 weeks), the base range of the dollar exchange rate will be 43.3–43.8 UAH/$1, with a probable tendency towards 43.5–43.6 UAH/$1, in the medium term (2–3 months) – 43.60–44.60 UAH/$1, and in the long term (6+ months) the devaluation trend will continue with a benchmark of 43.6–45.05 UAH/$1.

 

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Overview and forecast of hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies from KYT Group analysts

Issue #2 – February 2026

The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current situation on the Ukrainian currency market and a forecast of the hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies based on the latest data. We analyze current conditions, market dynamics, key influencing factors, and likely scenarios.

Analysis of the current situation on the currency market

International context

At the end of February, global financial markets were waiting for the spring news from the Federal Reserve Committee, which is scheduled to meet on March 17-18 to review the key policy rate. Most analysts are of the opinion that the Fed will keep rates in the range of 3.5-3.75%. However, several key factors will influence the committee’s final decision. The first is the situation on the labor market, and the second is the inflation rate in the United States. So far, it is not clear that the labor market in the United States has improved significantly. Employment data since the summer of 2025 has been relatively weak, and the unemployment rate has been on a moderate upward trend, reaching 4.4% in December 2025. However, the latest report from the Ministry of Labor on the labor market situation in January added to the optimism. It showed that in January, US employers created 130 thousand jobs, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%. Job growth was observed in several industries, including healthcare, social assistance, construction, and professional and business services.

As for inflation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it fell to 2.4% in January (annualized). Price pressures eased markedly in the energy sector, and prices for used cars and trucks also declined. Annualized core inflation fell to 2.5%, the lowest since March 2021, compared to 2.6% in December, which was in line with expectations.

The EUR/USD pair has experienced several significant fluctuations over the past month, but the dollar still managed to strengthen its position at the end of February. While the month started at 1.1854, the US currency dropped to 1.1918 towards the end of the first ten days of the month, but later the exchange rate movement changed, with the dollar ending the month at around 1.1820, showing a clear upward trend.

At the end of February, currency fluctuations were influenced not only by official reports on the US labor market and inflation and market expectations of the Fed, but also by US President Donald Trump’s speech to the US Congress on February 24. In his speech, Trump praised his economic achievements and criticized the Supreme Court for ruling against his tariff policy. Trump called his tariff decisions a key driver of the “economic turnaround.” In general, analysts do not expect the dollar to experience any sharp declines in the near future, as recent statistics point to good economic prospects, so most are sticking to their forecasts of an unchanged key rate following the Fed Committee meeting in March, which will support the dollar’s position.

In the EU, the macroeconomic situation looks stable, and annual inflation in the euro area fell to 1.7% in January 2026, the lowest level since September 2024. Core inflation fell to 2.2% in January. The eurozone economy grew by 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025, quite unexpectedly, despite geopolitical tensions, so the EU economy has been growing for nine consecutive quarters, demonstrating resilience. The highest growth was recorded in Spain, Germany, and France. The European Central Bank has recently raised its GDP forecast for 2026 to 1.2%, and the ECB is unlikely to change interest rates in the near future. Therefore, the euro’s position remains quite stable, as well as the tendency to further strengthen the euro.

Domestic Ukrainian context

In February 2026, the hryvnia depreciated slowly: at the beginning of the month, the official exchange rate was at UAH 42.84/USD, and at the end of the last week of February, it was at UAH 43.20/USD. No sharp movements were noticed, as the National Bank closely monitors the level of demand and constantly intervenes with foreign currency: from the beginning of January 2026 to February 20, the NBU sold $5.72 billion on the market.

In February, the key policy rate remained unchanged at 15%, and the NBU noted that inflation in Ukraine was declining and forecasted inflation of 7.5% at the end of 2026.

The main event of February was the approval by the European Parliament on February 11 of a decision to provide Ukraine with €90 billion in financial support for 2026-2027. These funds will be used to guarantee the continuous functioning of the state budget of Ukraine: $30 billion for budget support and €60 billion for military support. Ukraine should receive the first tranche in the second quarter of 2026. This is a long-term loan that will be financed by the EU’s borrowings on the international capital markets, and the obligations will be secured by the EU’s budget reserve.

It is also important that Ukraine continues to receive international assistance from its partners: in mid-February, it received a $690 million grant from Japan and Canada. These funds were received under the ERA mechanism of the G7 countries. The aid has been transferred to the general fund of the state budget of Ukraine and will be used to finance priority state expenditures, including pension payments and social support programs, including housing and utility subsidies.

Meanwhile, the situation in the energy sector remains one of the key issues affecting the domestic economy in 2026. The government informed that it has started working with the EU on the Winter Energy Plan for 2026-2027. The EU has already agreed on a new package of energy assistance to Ukraine worth €100 million as part of the energy plan, which will be part of the preparations for the next heating season in Ukraine.

US dollar exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

In February, the US dollar strengthened on the Ukrainian foreign exchange market. On the interbank market, the exchange rate was at 42.9 UAH/USD at the beginning of the month, and on February 26 it was already at 43.20 UAH/USD.

In February, the cash market experienced devaluation fluctuations that mirrored the exchange rate movements on the interbank foreign exchange market. At the end of February, the buying rate reached a corridor of UAH 42.80-43.10/USD, while the selling rate was in the range of UAH 43.28-43.50/USD. Meanwhile, the spread between the buying and selling rates is gradually decreasing at bank cash desks and exchange offices, amounting to UAH 0.40-0.50 per dollar.

Key factors of influence

International context. The dollar is strengthening against the euro and is moving away from its peak due to new reports on the US labor market, which show an improvement in employment. The dollar is also encouraged by data on slowing inflation and expectations that the Fed will not make a decision on changing its key policy rate in March.

Ukraine receives international assistance: in February, the European Parliament approved the allocation of €90 billion in financial support for 2026-2027. The funds will be used to meet the needs of the state budget and to finance military aid.

The hryvnia devaluation trend is noticeable in the foreign exchange market: the interbank exchange rate has already crossed the UAH 43.2/USD mark, and further movement towards UAH 43.5/USD is likely.

Forecast

In the short term (1-2 weeks): the basic range is UAH 43.3-43.8 per dollar with a likely tendency to the level of UAH 43.5-43.6 per dollar.

Medium-term (2-3 months): UAH 43.60-44.60/$. On the international market, the dollar may strengthen situationally as a result of the March decision of the Federal Reserve to keep the base rate unchanged, which will be influenced by updated data on employment and inflation in the United States. In Ukraine, the hryvnia will be under pressure from the high demand for imports of equipment to repair energy infrastructure, which will affect the level of demand on the interbank market. The exchange rate will also be influenced by updated forecasts of international organizations on the duration of the war in Ukraine.

Long-term (6+ months): hryvnia devaluation trend, target – UAH 43.6-45.05/$.

Euro exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

In February, the euro was influenced by fluctuations in the international market, which was reflected in quotes on the Ukrainian market: while the euro started the month at UAH 51.24/€, it fell back to UAH 51.02/€ at the end of February.

In the cash segment, the euro also fell in February. At the beginning of the month, the buying rate for euros in banks and currency exchange offices was 51 UAH/euro, and the selling rate was 51.95 UAH/euro, and at the end of the month, the buying rate was already at 50.5-50.95 UAH/euro, and the selling rate was in the range of 51.25-51.55 UAH/euro.

Key observations

Exchange rate geometry: The selling rate for cash euros at the end of February 2026 is at the levels of 51.25-51.55 UAH/€. The dynamics of the euro exchange rate in Ukraine in February was significantly influenced by the strengthening of the dollar on the international market.

Supply and demand: Demand for the euro remained stable in February 2026, but the cash segment saw a weakening of interest in the European currency. The spread between the buy and sell rates in banks is narrowing, amounting to UAH 0.20-0.45 per euro at the end of February.

Key factors of influence

Global context: The euro is losing ground against the dollar, which is strengthening amid upbeat labor market data and slowing inflation in the United States. Donald Trump’s speech gave markets confidence that the US economy is growing at a faster pace than previously expected.

Domestic market: the euro is losing ground, which is a result of international currency trends of strengthening the dollar.

Behavioral factor: In February, the level of demand for euros in Ukraine declined, resulting in a narrowing of the spreads between the two currencies. However, in the long run, the dollar may start losing ground on the international market again, and demand for imported equipment in Ukraine will grow, which is likely to boost demand for the euro in March.

Forecast.

– In the short term (1-2 weeks), the euro will be in the range of UAH 51.05-51.8 per euro on the interbank market.

– In the medium term (2-3 months), the euro will maintain strong positions on the international market due to the stable development of the eurozone economy and expectations of a significant change in the US base rate, as well as due to upcoming changes in the Fed’s leadership, which may shake investors’ faith in the Fed’s independence. In Ukraine, the euro will be primarily influenced by exchange rate movements on the international currency market. The exchange rate target is 51.4-53.8 UAH/€.

Long-term (6+ months): gradual exchange rate movement of the euro to the range of 54.0-55.0 UAH/€.

Recommendations: dollar or euro – buy, sell, or wait?

USD/UAH

On the international market, the dollar is strengthening due to updated statistics and hopes that the Fed will not revise its key rate in March. However, further prospects for the dollar’s appreciation are not only related to the level of employment in the US and whether inflation will accelerate. Analysts are talking about another aspect: whether the Fed should expect a long pause in its monetary easing policy, or whether it is possible to stop such easing altogether, i.e. whether the key policy rates will be changed in 2026. This is the main uncertainty. ING, for example, speaks of rather high risks for the dollar and assumes that it will decline to 1.22 EUR/USD by the end of the year.

Additional uncertainty factors include Donald Trump’s plans to continue a tough tariff policy and the upcoming US-Iranian negotiations, particularly in the context of Iran’s nuclear program.

Ukraine continues to see a gradual devaluation of the hryvnia, which is under pressure from many factors, including slow economic growth, the labor market crisis, the critical situation in the energy sector, and the need for large volumes of imports. All of this requires the NBU to carefully analyze the situation and regularly support the foreign exchange market with interventions, but there is no objective to maintain the exchange rate, which means further flexibility in terms of supply and demand for currency. The devaluation trend gives investors an impetus to actively buy foreign currency to plan long-term foreign currency savings. As part of a short-term strategy, it is realistic to carry out speculative transactions to sell US dollars. The dollar remains the main currency in the portfolio of foreign exchange savings.

EUR/UAH

Given the temporary depreciation of the euro, it’s time to buy a small amount of this currency to replenish your currency savings. It’s not the time to sell, but it is the time to closely monitor the international currency market and the euro’s movements, especially on the eve of the Fed’s March meeting. Quite strong exchange rate fluctuations could result in a profitable short position and a profitable exit from some of your savings as early as the end of March. The euro remains one of the most liquid assets that should be included in a long-term currency strategy.

Overall strategy

The Federal Reserve has entered a pause in its monetary policy decisions, and the key policy rate remains unchanged for now. The fact that the US has published updated statistics on employment growth and slowing inflation supports analysts’ forecasts that the Fed will decide to keep the rate unchanged in March. However, everything will depend on the new macroeconomic data that the Fed committee members will receive in the first half of March. Unemployment in the United States is unlikely to change critically over the next few weeks, and slowing price growth trends will have a significant impact on the Fed’s monetary decisions. Geopolitical risks associated with both US-Iranian relations and future US-Indian and US-Chinese trade relations may affect the dollar’s fluctuations.

In 2026, Ukraine entered the fifth year of a full-scale war with Russia. Currently, macrofinancial stability is ensured by a sufficient amount of reserves at $57.66 billion. However, there is no optimism about economic development in 2026. According to the European Business Association, businesses have downgraded their forecasts in response to ongoing security, energy, and economic challenges. The latest business survey indicates that 39% of respondents expect a deterioration, compared to 29% last year, and the share of those who believe in improvement has decreased from 32% to 20%. Businesses name three main negative factors: attacks on the energy system, lack of personnel, war and occupation of territories.

Despite the difficult situation in the economy, the NBU does not plan to issue money to finance the budget deficit this year. Nevertheless, the hryvnia will continue to devalue in 2026 through smooth fluctuations and under the influence of a managed flexibility strategy. Investors would be best served by focusing on well-thought-out currency strategies that include investments in dollars and euros.

This material was prepared by analysts of the international multiservice FinTech product platform KYT Group and reflects their expert, analytical professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and cannot be considered as a recommendation for action.

The Company and its analysts make no representations and assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is” without any further warranty of completeness, obligation to be timely or to be updated or supplemented.

Users of this material should make their own risk assessment and informed decisions based on their own evaluation and analysis of the situation from various available sources that they consider to be sufficiently qualified. We recommend that you consult an independent financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

REFERENCE

KYT Group is an international multiservice marketplace FinTech product platform that provides financial companies with access to services for promoting their services, as well as advertising and consulting services.

 

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Review and forecast of  hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies by KYT Group analysts

Issue No. 1 – February 2026

The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current situation on the Ukrainian currency market and a forecast of the hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies based on current data. We consider the current conditions, market dynamics, key influencing factors, and likely scenarios.

Analysis of the current situation on the currency market

International context

After the Fed left its key rate unchanged at the end of January, the number of forecasts for the rate to remain at its current level for the next few months increased in the US. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that non-farm payrolls in the US rose by 130,000 in January, while the unemployment rate fell from 4.4% to 4.3%. This indicates that interest rates are likely to remain unchanged, because if the labor market is improving, there are no fears of a market slowdown, which was a significant reason for the Fed to cut rates last year.

Recall that at the end of January, the Fed Committee left the central bank’s base interest rate in the range of 3.50-3.75% after lowering it at each of the last three meetings in 2025. Moreover, the higher-than-expected job growth in January may give the Fed confidence that the labor market is stabilizing and motivate the central bank to focus on controlling inflation, which remains above the Fed’s 2% target. The US consumer price index rose 0.3% month-on-month and 2.7% year-on-year in December last year, which is stable compared to November 2025.

As for the economy, US GDP grew by 4.4% year-on-year in the third quarter, and this pace is expected to slow slightly during 2026, but still exceed 2%. Some economists believe that the next Fed rate cut is unlikely before mid-June 2026. However, everything will depend on labor market indicators and inflation rates in the US. Interestingly, according to media reports, in his five speeches on the economy since December, Donald Trump has claimed that inflation has been overcome and prices have fallen almost 30 times, which, of course, contradicts the actual economic data.

As for the EUR/USD pair, during the first half of February, the dollar managed to strengthen slightly compared to January, reaching 1.1874. This was facilitated by both the Fed’s decision to leave the rate unchanged and the optimistic US labor market indicators and investors’ hopes that inflation would not exceed the forecast for this year. However, there is no certainty about the Fed’s future policy, and some analysts have already suggested that the Fed may start cutting rates more aggressively, causing the dollar to fall by 10% during 2026. Among the risk factors that will affect the dollar is the change in the Fed’s leadership, as many believe that the successor to current Chairman Jerome Powell will face pressure from President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs, leading to several rate cuts in 2026.

Meanwhile, in Europe, the ECB is keeping key rates unchanged, and most economists say the central bank will stick to this policy throughout 2026. The fact is that inflation in the eurozone is considered to be under control, although there are risks of a decline amid the strengthening of the euro. With interest rates already low at 2% and inflation hovering around the ECB’s 2% target, the ECB is in no hurry to change its monetary policy. The strong euro is not particularly pleasing to Europeans, as it makes imports cheaper for buyers in the eurozone, which affects inflation, and further strengthening of the euro could potentially require changes in rates. However, the EU is currently stable, and the economy is performing even better than expected: GDP in the fourth quarter of 2025 grew by 0.3% compared to the previous quarter, exceeding Bloomberg’s consensus forecast by 0.2%.

Internal Ukrainian context

In the first half of February, there was no stress on the Ukrainian currency market, and the hryvnia depreciated insignificantly against the US dollar: at the beginning of the month, the official exchange rate was 42.84 UAH/USD, and at the end of the second week of February, it was 43.03 UAH/USD. The slow fluctuation was traditionally facilitated by NBU interventions: since the beginning of January, according to official NBU data, the regulator has injected more than $4.33 billion into the market.

Inflation rates in Ukraine are declining. The NBU forecasts that inflation will be 7.5% at the end of 2026 and will remain close to the 5% target in the future, reaching it in 2028. The economy will grow by 1.8% in 2026, and in the following years, the recovery will accelerate to 3-4% per year. National Bank experts believe that inflation will decline in the coming months, primarily due to the residual effects of crop growth in 2025. At the same time, the consequences of large-scale destruction in the energy sector will put pressure on prices through both market and administrative mechanisms.

The NBU’s Inflation Report for January 2026 states that international aid will be sufficient to finance the budget deficit without resorting to debt issuance. The NBU has left its assumption regarding the budget deficit in 2026 unchanged at around 19% of GDP, which is in line with the State Budget Law. The NBU assumes that Ukraine will receive $51.4 billion from international partners in 2026, $42.7 billion in 2027, and $21.6 billion in 2028. This will allow international reserves to be maintained at a sufficient level to support the stability of the currency market. The main hopes for supporting the state budget this year are linked to the EU Council’s decision to allocate €90 billion to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027, as well as the current ERA Loans mechanism.

As of early February, Ukraine’s international reserves had grown to $57.66 billion. According to the National Bank, in January, they increased by $357.8 million compared to December, primarily due to external financing, which offset the National Bank’s net currency sales and the country’s debt payments in foreign currency. The current volume of international reserves provides financing for six months of future imports.

US dollar exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

During the first half of February, the US dollar strengthened on the Ukrainian currency market. At the beginning of the month, the interbank exchange rate was at 42.9 UAH/USD, and on February 12, it was already at 43.05 UAH/USD.

On the cash market, there were slight devaluation fluctuations between February 1 and 13, and the purchase rate in mid-February reached a range of 42.59–42.85 UAH/USD, while the sale rate remained within 43.15–43.4 UAH/USD. Meanwhile, at bank cash desks and exchange offices, the spread between the buying and selling rates changed only slightly compared to January, amounting to 0.5–0.6 UAH/USD.

Key influencing factors

· International context. The dollar began to strengthen against the euro due to growing investor optimism about inflation and the apparent trend toward improvement in the labor market, which promises predictable Fed policy and no sharp changes in rates in the near future.

· International reserves are at a high level: as of early February 2026, they reached USD 57.66 billion.

· The National Bank supports the currency market with regular interventions: the interbank exchange rate is gradually weakening without any sharp movements, and since the beginning of the year, the NBU has injected more than $4.33 billion into the market.

Forecast

· Short term (1–2 weeks): base range of 43.3–43.8 UAH/USD with possible fluctuations towards a weaker hryvnia.

· Medium term (2–3 months): 43.50–44.60 UAH/USD. The dollar is expected to gradually strengthen on the international market due to the stabilization of the labor market and decent macroeconomic data, as well as the absence of sharp changes in the Fed’s policy on the base rate. In Ukraine, the hryvnia exchange rate will be influenced by the level of demand for currency on the interbank market, which may increase in February–March, in particular due to another series of massive enemy attacks on energy facilities, which will lead to the need to purchase expensive imported equipment. The exchange rate will also be influenced by the situation on the front lines and political statements and forecasts regarding the possible end of the full-scale war.

· Long term (6+ months): a gradual devaluation of the hryvnia against the dollar is expected, as well as regular and large-scale support for the market through currency interventions by the NBU. The benchmark for the first half of 2026 is 43.5–44.95 UAH/$.

Euro exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

During the first half of February, the euro fluctuated on the Ukrainian market: initially, the hryvnia strengthened against the euro, and the official euro exchange rate at the beginning of February was 51.24 UAH/EUR, and five days later it was already 50.89 UAH/EUR. However, in the middle of the month, the euro began to strengthen and reached 51.20 UAH/EUR. In the cash segment, the euro also fell in January. While at the beginning of February, the euro purchase rate in banks and exchange offices was 51 UAH/EUR, and the sale rate was 51.95 UAH/EUR, in mid-February, the purchase rate was 50.8 UAH/EUR, and the sale rate was 51.45 UAH/EUR.

Key observations

· Exchange rate geometry: The selling rate for cash euros in mid-February 2026 is at the level of 51.29–51.50 UAH/EUR.

The dynamics of the euro exchange rate were influenced by the strengthening of the dollar on the international market, as well as the narrowing of the spread between the buying and selling rates to 0.2–0.4 UAH/EUR.

· Supply and demand: Demand for the euro fell slightly on the interbank market in February 2026, and demand for the euro also declined on the cash market in Ukraine. Between February 10 and 12 alone, the euro exchange rate on the interbank market fell from 51.37 UAH/EUR to 51.03 UAH/EUR.

Key influencing factors

· Global context: The euro is falling against the US dollar, which is strengthening in February amid optimistic forecasts for the development of the US economy.

· Domestic market: the euro continues to follow the dollar in the direction of strengthening, but the pace of the euro’s strengthening is currently quite limited, which is explained, in particular, by the relatively low level of demand.

· Behavioral factor: in Ukraine, there is no rush demand for the euro in mid-February, and spreads between exchange rates are steadily narrowing. However, everything may change if the recent massive shelling of energy infrastructure leads to an increase in the need to purchase equipment in the EU for euros, which will play on the growth in demand and, accordingly, lead to new exchange rate jumps.

Forecast

· Short term (1–2 weeks): the euro on the interbank market will remain in the range of 51.2–51.8 UAH/€ with a tendency to move towards the upper limit.

· Medium term (2–3 months): no significant strengthening of the dollar is expected on the international market, so the euro will remain strong. In Ukraine, the euro exchange rate will be influenced by demand for the euro due to the need to import from the EU, but relatively low demand on the cash market will not allow the euro exchange rate to deviate significantly from the interbank market.

The exchange rate benchmark is 51.6–54.5 UAH/EUR.

· Long term (6+ months): the euro may rise to 54.8–56.5 UAH/EUR in the first half of 2026.

Recommendations: dollar or euro — buy, sell, or wait?

USD/UAH

The dollar is strengthening on the international market thanks to optimistic expectations and updated data on the labor market and inflation, which showed stable development of the US economy and a reduction in risks. However, “black swans” in the form of a change in the Fed’s leadership and further pressure from Donald Trump on the central bank to implement a significant reduction in rates during 2026 cannot be ruled out.

Overall, the dollar looks quite vulnerable, given the unpredictability of President Trump’s policies and possible new tariff surprises from the US. However, positive sentiment prevails for now, which is reflected in the value of defensive assets.

In Ukraine, the hryvnia is under strong pressure from increased demand for foreign currency, and economic risks associated with the war, destroyed energy infrastructure, and the lack of even partial predictability of further developments in the hostilities do not give the national currency much room for strengthening. Building up savings in dollars will remain the basis for investors throughout 2026 as part of both medium- and long-term strategies. The expected weakening of the hryvnia exchange rate only adds to the appeal of accumulating dollars. Speculative income can be obtained both from fluctuations in the hryvnia against the dollar and from frequent and irregular fluctuations in the euro exchange rate.

EUR/UAH

The euro has been losing ground in recent weeks, but this is not a signal to exit euro savings, as the main forecasts for 2026 are still linked to the strengthening of the euro, although significant fluctuations cannot be ruled out. It is precisely these fluctuations that will allow investors to profitably enter into investments in euros and also exit them with a profit, especially when it comes to a medium-term strategy. The liquidity of the euro will remain high thanks to the stable development of the eurozone economy and the ECB’s predictable conservative strategy.

Overall strategy

The Federal Reserve is not currently planning any changes to the base rate, which was left unchanged at the last meeting at the end of January.

Optimistic sentiments about the active development of the US economy are motivating investors to return to dollar assets, and the dollar’s exchange rate against the euro is gradually strengthening. However, the temporary stability is fragile, and further fluctuations in the other direction are possible in the near future. Unlike the US, the EU economy is moving slowly but surely towards growth, and inflation in the eurozone is more controlled and predictable. All this gives reason to expect uneven and multidirectional fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate in the coming months.

Ukraine has accumulated a large amount of international reserves, sufficient for six months of imports, and has planned amounts of aid from partner countries, which are positive factors that may somewhat curb the devaluation trend. However, in the long term, the hryvnia will weaken in 2026 due to the ongoing war of attrition, problems with the state budget deficit, and negative investor expectations regarding the economic situation. Nevertheless, the pace of devaluation will be controlled by the NBU, which will remain the main player in the currency market. The NBU will carry out currency interventions to the extent necessary to meet demand and prevent sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate. In this situation, investors should focus on their own currency strategies, planning to buy dollars and euros in a timely manner, which will be the base currencies of their portfolios and will allow them to carry out profitable currency exchange transactions at any convenient time.

This material has been prepared by analysts at KYT Group, an international multi-service FinTech platform, and reflects their expert, analytical, and professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation for action.

The company and its analysts make no representations and assume no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is” without any additional guarantees of completeness, obligations of timeliness or updating or supplementation.

Users of this material should independently assess the risks and make informed decisions based on their own assessment and analysis of the situation from various available sources that they themselves consider sufficiently qualified. Before making any investment decisions, we recommend consulting with an independent financial advisor.

REFERENCE

KYT Group is an international multi-service FinTech marketplace platform that provides financial companies with access to services for promoting their services, as well as advertising and consulting services.

 

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Overview and forecast of hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies from KYT Group analysts

Issue #2 – January 2026

The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current situation on the Ukrainian currency market and a forecast of the hryvnia exchange rate against key currencies based on the latest data. We analyze current conditions, market dynamics, key influencing factors, and likely scenarios.

Analysis of the current situation on the currency market

International context

The main event of the second half of January 2026 was the expected meeting of the Federal Reserve Committee, which considered the level of the key policy rate. As a result, as expected by the markets, the Fed left the benchmark interest rate unchanged, and the federal funds rate remains in the current range of 3.5% to 3.75%. The last meeting of the Fed Committee actually marked the beginning of a pause after three consecutive rate cuts in 2025. Currently, the situation in the US economy does not look pessimistic, as GDP growth in the third quarter reached 4.4%, which significantly exceeded forecasts. Nevertheless, the Fed needs to keep the situation under control, as worrisome trends could become “black swans” for the US economy in 2026. We are talking about a weakening labor market and an inflation rate that exceeds the 2% target.

As for the EUR/USD pair, the dollar continued to fall against the euro in January and even reached the level of 1.2038 by the end of the month, although later there was a slight pullback to 1.1930. Thus, analysts noted that the US dollar fell to its lowest level in four years at the end of January 2026, and this happened after US President Donald Trump dismissed fears of a fall in the US currency. When asked by journalists whether he was concerned about the currency’s decline, he replied: “I think the value of the dollar – look at the business we do. The dollar is doing great.” This statement sent the dollar tumbling, as it caused investors to rush toward traditional investment havens that include gold and the Swiss franc.

While the dollar is losing, the euro is strengthening. The single European currency has strengthened by 15% over the past year. Among the reasons are the instability of Donald Trump’s policies, the Trump administration’s economic decisions on tariffs, and threats to further US economic growth. Of course, Donald Trump’s latest statements on Greenland also add fuel to the fire of the dollar’s decline.

The EU itself is not too happy about the strong euro, as it makes European exports less competitive. Thus, the current trend of strengthening the euro is unlikely to be beneficial for the development of the EU economy. Some experts even predict that the eurozone’s GDP will be about 0.2% lower by the end of the year if the euro/dollar exchange rate remains at the current level, rather than at about $1.16, which has been the benchmark since the EU-US trade agreement in late July. As for whether the European Central Bank will take any action, no one is sure yet. The next ECB meeting in early February should provide some guidance and show whether Europe is ready to change the vector of monetary policy.

Domestic Ukrainian context

In January, the Ukrainian currency market was really stormy, and devaluation processes accelerated, with a particular surge in the middle of the month, when the official exchange rate reached UAH 43.39 per dollar. However, the NBU’s interventions played an important role in reversing the fluctuations, and as of January 30, the official exchange rate was set at UAH 42.84 per dollar.

In January, the NBU continued its policy of exchange rate flexibility, but increased interventions to cool down the high demand for foreign currency. In the first three weeks of January, the NBU sold USD 2.678 billion on the market, with the largest amount (over USD 1.06 billion) in the third week of the month. However, the peak level of demand observed in December, when the NBU sold more than $4.65 billion on the market, was not observed in January.

An important decision in January was to cut the NBU’s key policy rate. The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine decided to start a cycle of interest rate easing, and the rate was cut from 15.5% to 15% starting January 30, 2026. According to the NBU, this is consistent with bringing inflation to the 5% target on the policy horizon and will support the economy at the same time. In addition, the NBU informed that in December, both consumer and core inflation slowed to 8% year-on-year. They say that the annual growth rate of consumer prices also declined in January, but inflation expectations remained relatively high. According to the NBU’s forecast, inflation will decline to 6% at the end of 2027, and to the target of 5% in 2028.

As for foreign aid, the NBU says that the expected amount of foreign aid will be enough to finance the budget deficit without issuing new debt and to keep international reserves at a sufficient level to maintain the stability of the foreign exchange market. The NBU said in a statement that the EU Council has decided to allocate EUR 90 billion to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027, and that support for Ukraine will continue under the current ERA Loans mechanism. The NBU’s updated forecast suggests that international reserves will amount to USD 65 billion by the end of 2016. At the end of 2026, international reserves will amount to USD 65 billion.

Despite the NBU’s “reassurance” in the form of a rate cut and reminders from the regulator’s top officials about the upcoming multibillion-dollar financial support from partners, the FX market is still trying to follow the devaluation trend. There are many reasons for this: large-scale shelling of cities, which has significantly worsened the situation in the energy sector, the difficult situation at the front, and the lack of clear signals from the IMF regarding the approval of a new program worth $8.1 billion.

US dollar exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

In the Ukrainian foreign exchange market in January, the dollar initially gained ground, but lost ground in the second half of the month as the hryvnia strengthened. At the beginning of the month, the interbank exchange rate was at UAH 42.3 per dollar, while on January 15 it was at UAH 43.55 per dollar, and on January 29 it was at UAH 42.9 per dollar.

The cash market experienced accelerated devaluation waves, and in mid-January the purchase rate reached 43-43.2 UAH/USD, while the sale rate was in the range of 43.6-43.7 UAH/USD, but at the end of the month, the strengthening of the hryvnia on the interbank market also affected the cash segment, where the purchase rate was 42.5-42.3 UAH/USD, and the sale rate was 43-43.15 UAH/USD.

Meanwhile, the spread between the buying and selling rates at bank cash desks and exchange offices increased to UAH 0.55-0.65 per dollar compared to December.

The cash market saw a surge in demand in January: according to the NBU, between January 1 and January 27, households purchased USD 1.64 billion (in equivalent), while sales of cash currency by households during this period amounted to USD 0.97 billion.

Key factors of influence

– International context. The dollar began to strengthen very actively against the euro as a result of the expected pause in the Fed’s interest rate cuts, as well as pessimistic expectations about the development of the US economy in 2026, including inflation and the labor market. Investor sentiment was also affected by President Donald Trump’s statements on the dollar’s strength and on Greenland.

– The National Bank of Ukraine cut its key policy rate to 15%, thus starting to ease monetary policy to bring inflation in Ukraine to the 5% target.

– The NBU increased interventions in the interbank market as part of its managed exchange rate flexibility strategy, which brought the dollar back below the psychological level of UAH 43/USD at the end of January.

Forecast.

In the short term (1-2 weeks): the basic range of 42.9-43.4 UAH/$ with possible fluctuations towards a weaker hryvnia.

Medium-term (2-3 months): UAH 43.50-44.00/$. In the international market, the weak dollar trend may change in the short term to return to last year’s exchange rate levels of approximately 1.17 EUR/USD. However, the inconsistent policies of President Donald Trump and the situation around the upcoming change of the Fed chairman and expectations of a new stage of easing in the US will send signals to investors about the long-term trajectory of the weak dollar. In Ukraine, the national currency will be influenced by the situation with the receipt of aid from partners, as well as the level of the energy crisis and the speed of its resolution. Demand on the interbank market will remain high.

Longer term (6+ months): The scenario of gradual devaluation remains in place, and the NBU will periodically enter the market with more foreign currency supply to level out demand. The benchmark for the first half of 2026 is UAH 43.5-44.9/$.

Euro exchange rate: dynamics and analysis

General characteristics of market behavior

In January, the euro strengthened on the Ukrainian market: the official euro exchange rate stood at UAH 49.79/€ in early January and reached UAH 51.24/€ at the end of the month. In the cash segment, the euro also strengthened quite significantly in January: at the beginning of the month, the average buying rate was 49.5 UAH/€, and the selling rate was 50.17 UAH/€. By the end of the month, the euro was buying at 51 UAH/€ and selling at 51.95 UAH/€ in banks and exchange offices.

Key observations

Exchange rate geometry: At the end of January, the selling rate for cash euros was at the level of 51.6-51.95 UAH/€. The dynamics of the euro exchange rate was influenced by the general devaluation trend, which intensified in the first two weeks of January 2026, as well as by the rapid and steady strengthening of the euro on the global market.

Supply and demand: Demand for euros in early 2026 is at a high level as importers are actively purchasing energy equipment, the need for which has increased sharply after several massive Russian attacks targeting thermal power plants in large cities. On the cash market, demand for both dollars and euros grew during the month.

Key influencing factors

Global context: the euro is strengthening against the dollar amid unstable forecasts for the US economy and political statements by Donald Trump, which affect investors’ desire to exit the dollar into safe-haven assets such as the euro, Swiss franc, and gold.

Domestic market: On January 27, the euro crossed the psychological mark of 51 UAH/euro (official exchange rate), and in the cash segment is rapidly approaching the level of 52 UAH/euro, which stimulates demand for the European currency.

Behavioral factor: In Ukraine, there has been an increase in both the volume of purchases of dollars and euros and the volume of currency sales, and the activity of currency exchange operations traditionally increases in difficult crisis periods. In January 2026, net purchases of foreign currency by households are likely to exceed December’s figures: the balance for January 1-27 is USD 693 million (December: USD 739 million).

Forecast.

– In the short term (1-2 weeks): the euro will be in the range of 51.5-51.9 UAH/€ with a tendency to move to the upper limit.

Medium-term (2-3 months): the trend for a strong euro and, accordingly, a weak dollar may continue for some time in the international market. In Ukraine, in addition to the global trend of a stronger euro, the exchange rate will be affected by general devaluation sentiment due to high volumes of imports in euros, which will accelerate the euro’s growth. The exchange rate target is 51.8-53.5 UAH/€.

Longer-term (6+ months): the euro may rise to 53.5-55.5 UAH/€ in the first half of 2026.

Recommendations: dollar or euro – buy, sell, or wait?

USD/UAH

The dollar’s weakening trend, caused by investors’ doubts about the prospects for the US economy and skeptical assessments of the labor market, is further reinforced by negative expectations about geopolitical risks (in particular, in the case of Greenland), a change in the Fed’s leadership, and concerns about the Fed’s independence.

Investors see the future policy of the Fed as another risk, as investors fear inconsistent steps and a lack of predictability as Donald Trump continues to put pressure on the Fed. This means that the dollar is unlikely to strengthen to 1.1650 in the near future, and large investors are looking for ways to redirect their investments from the dollar to other currencies and liquid assets.

Ukraine is currently experiencing a clear devaluation trend, which means that dollar-denominated savings will remain the main basis for investors’ medium- and long-term strategies. The next stages of hryvnia devaluation will only lead to some options for generating speculative income on currency exchange. However, the dollar remains the main savings currency for various investment plans.

EUR/UAH

In recent months, the euro has shown a strengthening trend, which allows investors planning to enter the dollar to do so profitably. Investors will also continue to buy euros to form part of their savings in this currency as part of a long-term strategy. As the liquidity of the euro is only improving, investors can expect to keep about 40% of their foreign currency savings in this currency.

Overall strategy

In January 2026, the Fed Committee meeting ended with the expected “nothing” – the rate was left at the current level. Pessimism about the future development of the US economy and uncertainty about clear and adequate steps by the Fed contribute to the dollar’s decline. But there are no “black swans” in the EU: the economy is growing, inflation risks are minimal, and in February the ECB may consider the situation in more detail and announce whether it is preparing to change rates.

In Ukraine, frosts, blackouts and devaluation sentiment prevail, and investors continue to formulate their savings plans with a view to the upcoming weakening of the hryvnia. The National Bank of Ukraine is closely monitoring the market and is ready to intervene in case of peak demand, while the managed exchange rate flexibility strategy will allow us to remain cautiously optimistic about the pace of further devaluation movements. Basic rules for investors: no sudden decisions, especially when there is panic on the interbank market. We analyze the general global trend together with the internal Ukrainian realities and only then decide whether to exit the currency or move from the dollar to other assets. It is important to regularly review your own savings programs in order to respond to trends in time and increase the level of return on investments in foreign currencies.

This material was prepared by analysts of the international multiservice FinTech product platform KYT Group and reflects their expert, analytical professional judgment. The information presented in this review is for informational purposes only and cannot be considered as a recommendation for action.

The Company and its analysts make no representations and assume no liability for any consequences arising from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is” without any additional warranties of completeness, obligations of timeliness or to update or supplement.

Users of this material should make their own risk assessment and informed decisions based on their own evaluation and analysis of the situation from various available sources that they consider to be sufficiently qualified. We recommend that you consult an independent financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

REFERENCE

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