National Bank of Ukraine head Shevchenko resigns for health reasons

MOSCOW. Oct 5 (Interfax) - Head of the National Bank of Ukraine Kirill Shevchenko submitted his resignation to the president of Ukraine for consideration on Tuesday, the National Bank said in a statement on its website.

"Due to health reasons that I cannot ignore going forward, I have made a difficult decision for myself. I am leaving the post of head of the National Bank of Ukraine. I have asked the president of Ukraine to accept my resignation," Shevchenko is quoted as saying in the statement.

The said the NBU managed to ensure the smooth operation of the financial system at a difficult time, prevent panic on the currency market, stop massive capital outflows to protect reserves, keep inflation at a reasonable level and "lend a hand to the state budget, understanding the difficulties with raising funds."

Shevchenko also said that he is passing on a banking system that is strong, capitalized and stable to whoever succeeds him.

The NBU management board will continue to fulfill its duties and manage the NBU's operations in its current composition until Ukraine's parliament makes the appropriate decisions, the statement said.

The Verkhovna Rada appointed Shevchenko governor of the NBU on July 16, 2020, prior to which he was CEO of state lender Ukrgazbank.