In connection with the Russian attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian National Bank suspended the sale of foreign currency in order to preserve its limited reserves for defense needs. For this reason, some banks in the EU countries completely refused to buy hryvnia in cash, and some set an overvalued exchange rate for European currencies. This situation has put refugees from Ukraine, who are already experiencing difficulties, in a difficult position. This issue will be resolved in the near future.
The Council of the EU issued a recommendation on the conversion of banknotes of Ukraine into the currency of the EU countries. On April 13, 2022, this recommendation was approved by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the participating countries. The written document is expected to be adopted on 19 April. The mechanism for implementing this decision will be taken by each EU state independently, many countries of the European Union have already developed such mechanisms.
Refugees from Ukraine will be allowed to exchange 10 hryvnias in cash for the currency of the host country at the rate of the National Bank of Ukraine. The age of a refugee does not matter - parents of minor children will be able to exchange banknotes at the rate of 000 hryvnia for each child.
