The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) expects the Ukrainian economy to grow by 3.6% this year, chairman Andrii Pyshnyi said in a press briefing published on Jan. 25.
"Despite the war, economic growth will continue. In 2024, real GDP is expected to increase by 3.6%, primarily due to the maintenance of high budget expenditures amid anticipated levels of international assistance at a sufficient level," he said.
Pyshnyi highlighted the implementation of extensive reconstruction projects as a stimulus for economic recovery in Ukraine. Western partners have also in recent times shown more serious intent to facilitate the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine.
"Their retrieval for the benefit of Ukraine will significantly improve key macroeconomic indicators," reported Pyshnyi.
The economy recovered throughout the past year due to the high adaptability of businesses and the population to the conditions of war, as well as a lenient fiscal policy supported by extensive international financing.
International financial support for Ukraine is expected to be maintained over 2024 but at reduced levels. This will allow the country to keep international reserves at a high level and ensure exchange rate stability.
Over 2025-2026, economic growth is expected to accelerate to 4-6% per year due to a reduction in security risks. This is the key assumption of the NBU's future forecast.
The Ukrainian economy fell to its lowest point in 2022. The Ministry of Economy reported that the GDP declined by 30.4% over the year.
Vladyslav Kudryk
