Symbol on currency: why the NBU changed the design of the banknote
23 February 18:34
Starting February 25, 2026, the National Bank of Ukraine will begin issuing modified 200 hryvnia banknotes into circulation, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The main change is the appearance of the patriotic slogan “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” in the upper right corner of the reverse side of the bill.
The regulator emphasizes that all other design and security features are the same as those of the 2019 banknote.
What will change for citizens
The new banknotes will be gradually delivered to banks, cash collection services, and cash processing companies as part of the planned renewal of currency in circulation.
At the same time, the NBU emphasizes that
- there is no need to exchange old banknotes;
- previous issues remain legal tender;
- new and old banknotes will remain in circulation simultaneously.
Thus, this is not a withdrawal or monetary reform, but a partial modification of the design.
A symbolic step in wartime
The slogan “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” took on special significance after the start of full-scale war and became one of the key symbols of resistance.
The decision was made against the backdrop of a gradual renewal of cash circulation.
Recall that earlier, the NBU announced the withdrawal from circulation of 1, 2, 5, and 10 hryvnia banknotes issued in 2003–2007, which are being replaced by corresponding coins.
These steps are explained by the optimization of cash production costs and the increase in the wear resistance of small denominations.
