З September 4, 2026 The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is putting into circulation a new denomination banknote — 2 hryvniasSince the emergence of a new currency requires large-scale technical adaptation of the banking infrastructure, the regulator has published clarifications regarding the process of reconfiguring ATMs, self-service terminals, and counting machines.
The NBU presented the new banknote in advance so that financial institutions had sufficient time buffer to update software and test equipment.
Technical adaptation: how terminals and ATMs will be reconfigured
For the smooth reception and issuance of new banknotes, the entire financial network of the country must undergo mandatory technical modernization. The NBU has developed a plan to support commercial banks and service companies:
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Free technical support: The National Bank will provide banks, collection services, and service companies with software and technical specifications for configuring equipment free of charge.
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Sorting software update: Special algorithms for recognizing optical, magnetic and ultraviolet security elements will be integrated into automatic cash sorting and processing systems.
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Terminal adaptation: Payment terminals (PTCs) will receive updated banknote recognition templates to accurately identify the 2,000 hryvnia denomination and screen out counterfeit banknotes.
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ATM calibration: ATM cassettes will undergo mechanical and software adjustments to the geometric parameters and thickness of the new banknote to avoid jamming or dispensing multiple bills at the same time.
Design and symbolism of the new banknote
The new banknote is dedicated to prominent figures of Ukrainian culture and the struggle for independence and is made in a single style with the updated nominal series of the hryvnia:
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Visage: Portrait of a prominent Ukrainian poet of the sixties, translator and human rights activist Vasyl Stus.
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Reverse side: Image of the main building Vasyl Stus Donetsk National University (now relocated to Vinnytsia), where the poet once studied.
All work on calibrating payment and sorting equipment in Ukrainian banks must be fully completed by the official release date of September 4, 2026, when the first banknotes will enter cash circulation.
