Ukraine issues a 2000 hryvnia banknote. Here's who will be on it
The National Bank of Ukraine announced that starting September 4, it is introducing a new banknote with a denomination of 2000 hryvnia into cash circulation, reports Forbes Ukraine.
The front side of the new banknote will feature a portrait of the Ukrainian poet and human rights activist Vasyl Stus, one of the most famous representatives of the Sixtiers generation. The reverse side depicts the building of the Faculty of Philology of Donetsk National University, which is named after Stus.
One of the main features of the design will be a stylized state trident, executed in the style of modern Ukrainian military symbolism. According to the National Bank, this element combines with the motto "Glory to Ukraine – Glory to the Heroes," forming a unified artistic image. Its basis was the chevron worn by Ukrainian servicemen on their uniforms. The authors of the concept note that the symbol embodies the resilience, will, and invincibility of the Ukrainian people.
Another important design element is the image of a kestrel, inspired by the mosaic "Kestrel" created by artist Alla Horska in 1967 for the "Ukraine" restaurant in Mariupol. The National Bank explains that this bird symbolizes the ability to resist difficulties and maintain stability even against strong headwind. It is also dedicated to the generation of Sixtiers who defended national identity and human dignity in the face of political repression.
The date of the new banknote's introduction also has symbolic significance. On September 4, 1965, Vasyl Stus, along with Viacheslav Chornovil and Ivan Dziuba, held the first open protest against political repressions in the USSR in Kyiv. On the same day in 1985, Stus died in a Soviet camp.
This will be the first new banknote since the introduction of the 1000 hryvnia banknote in 2019 featuring the portrait of scientist Volodymyr Vernadsky. The National Bank notes that the need to issue a 2000 hryvnia banknote is related to inflation, the decline in the purchasing power of the national currency, and the increase in average wages.
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