Ukrainian president assures EBRD leadership of central bank independence

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has assured the leadership of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development that the policy of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) will remain effective and independent following Kyrylo Shevchenko's appointment as the new NBU governor.

He made this statement during a phone call with Acting President of the EBRD Jurgen Rigterink and Vice President of the EBRD Alain Pilloux, according to the press service of the head of state.

"I want to assure you that the NBU will remain an independent institution and pursue prudent monetary policy," Zelensky said.

He said that Ukraine has consistently supported cooperation with international partners, including the IMF and the World Bank. According to him, the government is working to meet the conditions for receiving the second tranches of loans from the IMF and the EU.

In addition, he said that Ukraine has successfully returned to the foreign capital market, with the Ministry of Finance attracting $2 billion, which, in his opinion, demonstrates the confidence of investors in the country.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that despite the coronavirus pandemic, overcoming which is a significant challenge for Ukraine, the Ukrainian authorities continue to implement changes for a speedy return to economic growth. "We really want changes for the sake of Ukrainians," he said.

On July 16, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Kyrylo Shevchenko the governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.

op