Demand for cash in Ukraine increased amid attacks and destruction - NBU

In the first half of 2026, Ukrainian banks issued 1.602 trillion UAH in cash from their tellers. This is 8.7% more than in the same period last year. This was reported by the National Bank of Ukraine.

Cash inflows to bank tellers also increased. In January-June, they amounted to 1.555 trillion UAH, which is 8.9% higher than the first half of 2025.

The NBU explains the increase in inflows by the revival of economic activity from the second quarter, sustained consumer demand, and growth in household incomes, particularly wages and pensions.

Security risks support demand for cash

The growth in hryvnia issuance from bank tellers also occurred against the backdrop of increased security risks. The National Bank draws attention to intense air attacks and subsequent destruction of production and energy infrastructure and the residential sector.

These factors, according to the regulator's assessment, increase the population's demand for cash and the propensity to keep part of savings in cash.

The largest share of cash issuance - 85.5% - was for customer transactions using payment cards. Another 4.9% were payments when banks purchased foreign currency from clients, and 3.4% were for replenishing postal operators.

Among the main sources of cash inflows to banks, trade revenue accounted for 31.4%, customer transactions with payment cards - 28%, proceeds from foreign currency sales - 15.3%, and revenue from all types of services - 12.2%.

Source: National Bank of Ukraine