17 Apr 2025 16:53

Ukraine's NBU improves int'l reserves forecast to $57.6 bln in 2025

MOSCOW. April 17 (Interfax) - The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has raised its forecast of international reserves at the end of this year from $40.5 billion to $57.6 billion due to the expected inflow of external financing.

"This year, Ukraine may receive more substantial amounts of international financial assistance than previously expected due to faster transfer of tranches under the ERA Loans arrangement," Ukrainian media quoted NBU Governor Andrei Pyshny as saying at a press briefing on Thursday.

These funds will be enough not only to fund the budget deficit this year, but also to form a reserve for the state finance for the next year, when the foreign aid is likely to start falling, he said.

As of April 1, 2025, Ukraine's international reserves totaled $42.4 billion, while net international reserves grew by 9.1%, or $2.33 billion, in March.

In the NBU's updated forecast, the current account balance for 2025 has been substantially worsened from January's estimates, from a $2.6 billion surplus to a $17.3 billion deficit.

The forecast for 2026 was also revised downward, with the expected deficit increased from $28.3 billion to $31.3 billion.