Ukrainian lawmakers have submitted a draft bill that would allow the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) to include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in its official reserves.
The proposal was introduced as bill number 13356 in the Verkhovna Rada this Tuesday.
It seeks to amend the law “On the National Bank of Ukraine” by authorizing the central bank to hold crypto assets alongside gold and foreign currencies.
Discretionary Power for the Central Bank
Unlike mandatory reserve requirements, this draft bill gives the NBU full discretion over crypto holdings.
According to MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the bill neither compels nor directs the bank to invest in Bitcoin or other crypto assets.
“How, when and how much should be the decision of the regulator itself,” Zhelezniak said on his Telegram channel.
A Move to Strengthen Economic Stability
Lawmakers behind the bill argue that managing crypto reserves could bolster Ukraine’s macroeconomic stability.
It would also support the development of the nation’s digital economy.
“Proper management of crypto reserves will help strengthen macroeconomic stability and create new opportunities for the development of the digital economy,” Zhelezniak posted on Telegram.
Industry Involvement in Drafting
The draft bill received input from notable stakeholders.
Early in the week, Zhelezniak appeared in a video with Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance’s regional head for Central & Eastern European and Central Asian countries.
Khomiakov was one of the bill’s contributors, following reports that Binance advises several governments on establishing crypto reserves.
Legal experts were also involved.
Co‑author Petr Bilyk, head of AI practice at Juscutum Legal Engineering and a member of Ukraine’s AI expert committee, helped draft the legislation.
A Thoughtful, not Rushed, Initiative
Zhelezniak emphasized this isn’t an aggressive push by Kyiv to adopt crypto.
Rather, it is a strategic move to avoid being left behind as global interest in digital asset reserves grows.
“This story has the right to life, and, as we see, many countries are implementing it,” he said, citing experiments by the U.S., El Salvador, and others.
The draft follows earlier reports that Ukraine is nearing final stages of crafting a bill on state crypto reserves.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions about peace with Russia, suggesting Ukraine is preparing financially for post-war stability.
What Comes Next
Broad parliamentary review and debate are expected before the bill advances.
If approved, Ukraine would join a small but growing group of nations exploring digital assets as part of sovereign reserves.
Observers will be watching how the NBU responds, and whether reserve allocations will remain symbolic or evolve into meaningful financial strategies.
Ukraine’s willingness to explore this frontier reflects an appetite for financial innovation, while also recognizing the need for careful oversight.
