Ukraine proposes to return paper 1, 2, 5 and 10 hryvnias: what is known

A petition has been registered in Ukraine with a proposal to return paper banknotes in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 hryvnias to circulation. At the same time, it is proposed not to cancel coins of the corresponding denominations – banknotes and coins can be used in parallel.

The corresponding petition No. 41/010962-26еп was published on September 21, 2026 on the electronic petitions portal of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.

The author of the appeal, Kostyantyn Salagub, suggests that the government and the National Bank consider the possibility of resuming the issue of small-denomination paper money.

Why is it proposed to return banknotes

The petition notes that after the transition from paper 1, 2, 5 and 10 hryvnias to metal coins, some citizens have encountered household inconveniences.

Among the main arguments, the author names the weight of the coins and the fact that they take up more space in the wallet. Separately, the issue of convenience for the elderly, as well as citizens with visual or motor impairments, is raised.

According to the author of the appeal, banknotes of different colors and designs can be easier to recognize, while coins can be similar in shape and size.

The return of paper money is also proposed as a way to simplify small cash payments in stores and transport.

Keep coins, return banknotes

The author of the petition does not propose to completely abandon coins. The idea is to simultaneously leave both metal and paper 1, 2, 5 and 10 hryvnias in circulation.

Thus, citizens could independently choose a more convenient cash format for themselves.

The author of the appeal admits that coins have a longer service life, but considers parallel circulation a compromise option.

How many votes did the petition collect

As of 18:00 on September 24, the petition was supported by 35 citizens out of the required 25 thousand.

At the time of publication, there were 88 days left until the collection of signatures was completed.

If the petition receives the required number of votes, it will be considered in accordance with the established procedure. However, the registration of the petition itself does not mean that the National Bank has already made a decision to return small-denomination paper banknotes.