A newly introduced bill in Ukraine’s parliament aims to give the country’s central bank the legal authority—but not the obligation—to hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as part of its national reserves. The proposal, registered as Bill No. 13356, amends Ukraine’s central banking law to allow digital assets to be included alongside traditional reserves such as gold and foreign currency.
The legislation does not compel the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to acquire or hold crypto but creates a legal framework to do so at its discretion. Supporters, including parliamentarian Yaroslav Zhelezniak, emphasized that all decisions about timing, allocation size, and asset selection would remain entirely with the central bank.
In a message shared via his Telegram channel, Zhelezniak reiterated the bill’s intent to modernize Ukraine’s financial infrastructure without imposing specific mandates on the NBU.
“How, when and how much should be the decision of the regulator itself,” he wrote.
This move reflects a broader shift among emerging economies, where digital assets are increasingly viewed not just as speculative investments but as potential tools for national reserve management.
Lawmakers Say Crypto Reserves Strengthen Financial Sovereignty
Although the proposed law leaves reserve decisions to the NBU, lawmakers are framing the bill as a proactive step toward long-term economic resilience and greater alignment with global financial innovation.
Zhelezniak, one of the bill’s chief proponents, argues that crypto-based reserves could help strengthen macroeconomic stability and position Ukraine as a forward-thinking participant in the digital economy. In a recent statement, he said smart reserve management—including Bitcoin—offers Ukraine new tools for economic modernization.
He further elaborated in a recorded discussion with Kirill Khomyakov, Binance’s regional head for Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. During their conversation, Zhelezniak noted that Ukraine is not alone in considering crypto for its reserves—citing El Salvador, Switzerland, Brazil, and even parts of the United States as examples of governments exploring or implementing similar strategies.
For Zhelezniak, this isn’t just about technology—it’s about financial sovereignty and ensuring Ukraine’s economic toolkit is equipped for the digital age.
Quick Facts
- Ukraine’s Bill No. 13356 proposes allowing the central bank to hold crypto in national reserves.
- The legislation does not require the National Bank of Ukraine to buy or hold any crypto.
- Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak says the decision will remain at the sole discretion of the central bank.
- The bill aims to position Ukraine alongside countries like El Salvador and Switzerland, which are already integrating crypto into national policy frameworks.
- The proposal is part of Ukraine’s broader push to modernize its financial infrastructure and assert economic independence through digital innovation.
