Ukraine's Postal Service Refuses to Suspend CEO Amid Long-Standing Feud with Central Bank.

The Dispute Between Ukrposhta's CEO and Ukraine's Central Bank

According to Espreso.tv: Despite demands from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) for his removal, the CEO of Ukrposhta, Ihor Smilianskyi, remains in his position. This conflict, which dates back to 2016 when Smilianskyi first proposed creating a postal bank, has escalated over the years. Official sources confirm that Smilianskyi continues to lead the state-owned postal operator, pushing back against regulatory pressure.

On June 23, 2026, the NBU issued a directive ordering Smilianskyi's suspension within five working days. This move followed a series of alleged systemic violations that, according to the central bank, raise serious concerns about corporate governance at the company. The NBU had already fined Ukrposhta 255,000 hryvnias in March 2026, followed by a 1.7 million hryvnia penalty in May, and another 2.5 million hryvnia fine in June of the same year.

Fallout for Ukrposhta

Smilianskyi claims the NBU is applying undue pressure on the company, which he argues is detrimental to Ukrposhta's future operations. This prolonged standoff between the company's leadership and the regulator has sparked unease among employees and customers, who are closely monitoring developments in Ukraine's postal sector.

The ongoing situation surrounding Ukrposhta remains under intense scrutiny, as further actions by both the NBU and the company's management could significantly impact the postal business in Ukraine. With the conflict now stretching over several years, it may prove decisive for the stability and future of the company, given Ukrposhta's critical role in the country's infrastructure and its social mission of providing services to the public.