Zelensky, IMF Managing Director discuss appointment of NBU governor

"We highly appreciate the comprehensive support provided by the IMF during this difficult period for our country," Zelensky said during the conversation.

The head of state stressed that continued active cooperation with the IMF within the new Stand-By Arrangement is an important priority for Ukraine.

During the conversation, the President noted that he had met with representatives of commercial and state-owned banks and compiled a short list of candidates for the position of governor of the National Bank, who had been nominated by representatives of the banking sector. He assured that by the end of the week he would propose the candidacy of the NBU governor to the parliament.

Zelensky expressed his conviction that the NBU together with the government should continue to implement a balanced monetary and fiscal policy, which will serve as a guarantee of macroeconomic and financial stability and promote economic growth and resumption of bank lending in Ukraine.

"Discussions on the activities of the National Bank of Ukraine should be deprived of political complexion, which may have a negative impact on the institutional capacity and independence of the regulator," the President said.

The head of state noted that the main criteria for choosing a candidate are professionalism, honesty and an impeccable reputation.

During the conversation, Volodymyr Zelensky assured Kristalina Georgieva of Ukraine's strong desire to continue cooperation with the IMF and stressed that the adopted banking law was a direct evidence of that desire.

As reported, on July 1, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Yakiv Smolii filed a letter of resignation to the President due to "systematic political pressure."

In turn, the President's Office assured that the NBU Board would continue its activities on the basis of independence and professionalism, adding that "ensuring the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine remains an unconditional priority."

On July 2, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a motion to dismiss Smolii from the post of NBU Governor to the Verkhovna Rada.

On July 3, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine dismissed Yakiv Smolii from the post of the Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.

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