Financial news, budget and personal finances at Razom UA
A YouGov poll reveals a paradox: citizens recognize the risk of systemic breakdowns but do not support unpopular measures. Why this matters for Ukraine and how to act so as not to pass the problem on to the next generation.
A 20-hryvnia coin made of 900‑fine gold: what its design means, why it’s more than a souvenir, and how it’s connected to the earlier 2024 silver issue.
Hundreds of amendments delayed the vote and revealed how painful even a technical change to a national monetary tradition can be. We examine what happened and why it matters to everyone.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reported the arrest of a former support agent in India — the case shows that the fight against cyber fraud is becoming transnational and will have consequences for trust in exchanges and regulatory pressure.
Six Ukrainian banks have issued a three-year syndicated loan of UAH 21.5 billion backed by state guarantees — a sign of the financial sector’s mobilization in support of defense capabilities. We examine where the money will go, why this matters for security and the economy, and what risks remain.
Concessional financing through the ADVANCE Ukraine fund under the SURGE project is more than just money. It is a vote of confidence from partners and a catalyst for budget reforms that strengthen the resilience of public finances.
Kyiv City Council approved the capital’s budget for 2026 (over UAH 106 billion). It’s not just numbers in a table — it’s a test of the city’s ability to provide services, maintain infrastructure and support those defending the country.
The regulator is urging a shift from blanket bans to "targeted" measures: this could reduce market uncertainty and make mortgages more accessible, while protecting affected homeowners.
Political consultations outside Brussels put the €210 billion deal in doubt. We explain why decisions by several capitals could affect Ukraine's finances and security as soon as this week.
On the eve of the European Council summit, the President of the European Commission put two concrete options on the table — using frozen Russian assets or pursuing joint EU borrowing. The decision will affect the volume of aid to Ukraine over the next two years and the EU's willingness to accept risk in the name of security.
A state-owned bank has opened a seven-year, $77 million credit line for the Kernel Group — the largest banking deal with private business in 2025. We examine why this matters for exports, logistics and financial confidence during wartime.
Fitch has placed Euroclear’s ratings on review after the European Commission’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets for a reparations loan to Ukraine. It is a signal of the need for legal and financial clarity: the money may materialize, but at what cost to European infrastructure remains an open question.
Decision final: a former MP has been found guilty of illegally receiving reimbursements for renting a room at the "Kyiv" hotel. We explain why this matters for accountability over public funds and for legal practice in a time of trial for the country.
While the world decides how to punish the aggressor, Ukraine is preparing a separate reconstruction fund — with funding sources, but without a new tax until the end of the war. This could become a historic moment for our children and the economy.
Minister Andriy Sybiha urges the EU to use frozen Russian assets for reparations — a chance to send Moscow a clear signal and strengthen Ukraine's defenses ahead of the December 18–19 summit.
Belgium is stalling an agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets. The decision on a reparations loan of up to €210 billion is at risk ahead of the 18–19 December summit — insiders call it a historic moment for Europe's security.
The Ukrainian economy is demonstrating a steady recovery that accelerated in the third quarter of 2025. The main driver of GDP growth was not merely a rebound but a powerful fiscal impulse, fueled by record budgetary spending made possible by international financing. Economists at the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) confirm: Western funds are working to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and its reconstruction.
The National Bank, together with the UAnimals foundation, raised more than UAH 2 million in coins through the #PowerCoins campaign. The funds will be used for treating animals, setting up doghouses and enclosures, and providing food for shelters and stray animals in frontline areas.
The U.S. Department of Justice lifted supervision of Danske Bank after the completion of a three-year probationary period under a guilty-plea agreement for money laundering through its Estonian branch; the bank paid $2 billion.
In November, Ukraine's real GDP growth rose to 5.3% compared with 2.3% in October. The increase was driven by the agricultural sector, domestic trade, construction and manufacturing; public spending and international support also contributed.
The Baltic states have approved record budgets for 2026: Lithuania and Estonia are allocating 5% or more of GDP to defense, while Latvia aims to reach that level in 2027.
British commercial banks oppose using about £8 billion of frozen Russian funds for a loan to Ukraine, citing potential legal consequences and the absence of government guarantees.
Rosen Zhelyazkov submitted his resignation after two weeks of protests sparked by the draft 2026 budget proposing changes to taxes and social contributions. The resignation was announced ahead of a vote of confidence in the government.
The National Bank of Ukraine kept its key rate at 15.5% amid uncertainty over external financing, notably a delay in a reparations loan, and elevated inflation expectations. November inflation was 9.3% year‑on‑year.
Starting December 11, the UAH 1,000 from the "Winter Support" program must be spent on Ukrainian-made food products using the "National Cashback" card. There are restrictions on eligible goods, retail chains and the timeframes for use.
The Federal Reserve cut its key rate for the third consecutive time to 3.5–3.75%, citing rising risks to employment. Inflation is around 3%, and unemployment has risen to 4.4%. The decision was supported by nine members, with three opposed. The National Bank of Ukraine will decide its rate on December 11.
Starting January 1, 2026, a national screening for people aged 40 and over will begin. The program is allocated 10 billion hryvnias; 2,000 hryvnias will be credited to each participant's card to pay for examinations.
The President signed the 2026 budget, with revenues of UAH 2.92 trillion and a deficit of UAH 1.9 trillion. Expenditures total UAH 4.78 trillion, a significant share allocated to defense; the budget provides for increases in social standards.
ECB President Christine Lagarde described the latest version of the European proposal for financial support to Ukraine as best aligned with international law and urged Europeans to continue their support. She stressed the initiative's legal exclusivity.
According to the State Statistics Service’s preliminary estimate, real GDP in July–September 2025 rose 2.1% year‑on‑year; quarter‑on‑quarter growth was 0.8%. The National Bank of Ukraine forecasts annual growth of 1.9%.