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A legislation proposal has been introduced in the Ukrainian Parliament, aiming to enable the inclusion of cryptocurrency in the country’s official reserves. Backed by eight Members of Parliament, the proposal seeks to authorize the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to hold cryptocurrencies along with gold and foreign exchange reserves. Spearheaded by Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Deputy Chairman of the Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy Committee, this proposal aspires to accelerate adaptation to global financial innovations and bolster the growth of the digital economy. If enacted, the proposal will offer the Central Bank the option to establish such reserves without mandating it.
The Objectives of the Proposal
In a statement on his personal Telegram account, Yaroslav Zheleznyak expressed hopes that this regulation will contribute to Ukraine’s progress in the digital economy sector and enhance macroeconomic stability. Zheleznyak believes, “Proper management of crypto reserves could strengthen macroeconomic stability and create new opportunities for the development of the digital economy.”
A central rationale behind the proposal is Ukraine’s commitment to accelerating its integration with global financial innovations. Zheleznyak stressed that the proposal does not impose a definitive obligation on the Central Bank. Therefore, the NBU retains full autonomy over whether or not to maintain cryptocurrency as a reserve. This flexibility is deemed significant for managing a new and volatile asset class.
Ukraine’s Position in the Cryptocurrency Market and Global Trends
Currently, Ukraine holds around 46,351 Bitcoins, valued at over $5 billion. However, official records indicate that these cryptocurrencies are not held in the state treasury but under the control of various public officials. This substantial amount places Ukraine as the fourth largest country by cryptocurrency assets after the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.
Globally, there is an increasing trend among states toward creating cryptocurrency reserves. The U.S. government is known to be working in this direction. Similarly, Pakistan announced plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin 
$105,428 reserve late last month. Different motivations drive both countries to incorporate cryptocurrency into state reserves. This context places Ukraine’s proposal on the international stage.
The Economic Implications of the Decision
Experts suggest that incorporating cryptocurrencies into national reserves could have various implications for traditional financial systems. Such initiatives could accelerate digital transformation efforts in countries and provide opportunities for financial tool diversification, potentially modernizing reserve structures.
However, the potential risks should not be overlooked. Market volatility tendencies and regulatory framework gaps or uncertainties in some regions are significant concerns. It is emphasized that central banks need to exercise great caution when crafting policies, as the long-term economic outcomes of holding digital assets in reserves have yet to be fully anticipated. Ukraine’s proposal is viewed as a testament to the country’s commitment to digitalization.
