Euro Exchange Rate Against the Hryvnia Plunged in May: Which Euro Banknotes Are Accepted in Ukraine.

Hryvnia-to-Euro Exchange Rate in May 2026

According to Novyny.live: During May 2026, the Ukrainian hryvnia experienced a notable decline against the euro, creating favorable conditions for exchanging into euro banknotes. The official hryvnia-to-euro rate fluctuated between 51.26 and 51.72 UAH. These currency market shifts occurred as the U.S. dollar strengthened globally, with the euro dropping to $1.16.

Euro Banknotes Accepted in Ukraine

In Ukraine, euro banknotes from both the first and second series are recognized as legal tender. The first series includes denominations of:

• 5 euros
• 10 euros
• 20 euros
• 50 euros
• 100 euros
• 200 euros
• 500 euros

The second series covers the following denominations:

• 5 euros
• 10 euros
• 20 euros
• 50 euros
• 100 euros
• 200 euros

It is important to note that the European Central Bank did not include the 500-euro note in the second series, which could affect its usage within Ukraine.

Additionally, the National Bank of Ukraine plans to phase out hryvnia banknotes from the 2003–2006 series in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 UAH. This decision marks a significant step toward modernizing the country's cash circulation system.

According to expert Oleksiy Plotnikov, 'It is believed that the U.S. economy is more dynamic and active, and even though President Donald Trump's tariff decisions were unsuccessful, this did not significantly weaken the dollar.'

As a result, the dollar's strength may be linked to the broader economic situation in the United States. Consequently, May 2026 emerged as a pivotal month for Ukraine's currency market, where shifts in the hryvnia-to-euro and hryvnia-to-dollar exchange rates could influence citizens' financial decisions.

Currency market changes in Ukraine, particularly the hryvnia's fluctuations against the euro and the dollar's rally, could have substantial implications for the national economy. These developments may affect inflation trends and the purchasing power of the population. The planned withdrawal of older hryvnia notes signals the National Bank of Ukraine's commitment to modernizing the financial system, which could boost confidence in the national currency and improve conditions for business operations. Amid global economic shifts, monitoring exchange rate dynamics is essential for adapting personal and corporate financial strategies.