Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
The NBU raised the policy rate to 16,5% and worsened the forecast for Ukraine's economic growth to a recession
The National Bank of Ukraine expects inflationary pressure to intensify and for economic growth to slow sharply. Among the key factors are Russian attacks, rising fuel prices, and reduced international financial assistance.
In October, the NBU decided to raise the policy rate from 16% to 16,5% annually. This was reported by NBU Chairman Andriy Pyshny.
According to him, the decision is linked to a significant rise in price pressures and worsening inflation expectations. The rate hike is intended to support the attractiveness of hryvnia-denominated assets and stabilize the foreign exchange market, as well as help curb inflation expectations and price growth.
The NBU forecasts inflation at 12,5%
The National Bank revised its inflation forecast from 10% to 12,5%. At the same time, in September its current level stood at 10%. Pyshny noted that the impact of Ukraine's shelling on current inflation is estimated at 0,7%.
The price dynamics will also be influenced by higher fuel prices and expanded budgetary stimulus. According to the NBU head, Russian attacks caused a sharp contraction in business activity, and losses of economic potential will restrain the recovery.
The regulator also significantly worsened its projection for Ukraine's economic growth in 2026 year. While previously a growth of 1,8% was expected, now the forecast foresees a contraction of 0,4%, i.e., a possible recession.
International aid is arriving more slowly than expected
Pyshny said that in the third quarter international financial assistance was below forecast. One of the reasons was delays in Ukraine's reforms.
At the same time in October the parliament passed a number of laws intended to unlock funding from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. The NBU expects Ukraine to accelerate obligations under support programs, which will reduce uncertainty about budget funding sources.
The NBU forecast for the National Bank program envisions that in 2026 year Ukraine will receive about 50 billion dollars in direct budgetary support and more than 32 billion dollars for the defense component of the Ukraine Support Loan program. For 2027 year, the projected volumes are about 52 billion dollars and 37 billion dollars respectively.
Deputy NBU Chairman Yuriy Heletiy explained that in case external financing is delayed, there is an alternative scenario — more active attraction of funds on the domestic debt market. Specifically, the Ministry of Finance may increase the volume of placing Government bonds.
Heletiy recalled that similar decisions were made in 2024–2025 years, when the state increased internal borrowings.
What risks threaten Ukraine's economy
Andriy Pyshny named several factors that could intensify economic pressure if the war continues:
Additional budgetary needs. Spending to maintain defense capability and reconstruction may rise, contributing to expansion of domestic demand, including for imports.
Increased pressure on wages. Labor shortages and negative migration trends may lead to further increases in compensation.
Risks to international financing. The likelihood of delays in funds receipt and changes in their volumes remains.
Higher energy prices. The war in the Middle East could push up oil prices. Expensive energy resources constrain economic growth and amplify inflationary pressure in Ukraine.
At the same time, according to the NBU head, further deterioration of the security situation could noticeably cool domestic demand, which would have a disinflationary effect. In addition, export difficulties due to port blockades could, in the short term, contribute to a decline in purchasing prices for certain food products.
.fancybox-div {text-align: center; font-size: 12px; margin: 0 0 20px 0;}
The NBU raised the policy rate to 16,5% and worsened the forecast for Ukraine's economic growth to a recession
The NBU raised the policy rate to 16,5% and worsened the forecast for Ukraine's economic growth to a recession
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "НБУ підвищив облікову ставку до 16,5% і погіршив прогноз зростання економіки України до рецесії". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: ANTIKOR.