He noted that the Russian name “kopeyka” is used only in three post-Soviet countries: Ukraine, the aggressor country of the Russian Federation and Belarus.
At the same time, the term “step” was used as a monetary unit in Ukraine in the 16th–17th centuries, as well as during the Ukrainian Revolution of 1917-1921, the head of the National Bank added.
“We must finally complete… the monetary reform and get rid of any kinship, any connection with Moscow. Because we have our own [название]. And the time has come to finally return it,” Pyshny emphasized to Reuters.
According to him, the Rada is preparing to discuss the relevant bill, and the NBU is holding public discussions and events to raise awareness among Ukrainians.
Pyshny assured that changing the name of the small change coin will not entail an additional burden on the budget.
As the head of the NBU said, the only coin currently in circulation in Ukraine, which will have a face value of 50 “steps,” will be gradually withdrawn from circulation.
Currently, a coin with a face value of 50 kopecks is in circulation in Ukraine.
