KIEV, Feb. 26 – Demand for foreign currency in February shrank, which is conducive to the strengthening of the hryvnia, the National Bank of Ukraine said.

"There has been a gradual decline in net demand for both cash and non-cash foreign currency since the beginning of February," the NBU said. "This was also due to a decrease in payments to non-residents under import contacts and loan agreements. Both of the above-mentioned factors have had a positive impact on the foreign exchange dynamics of the hryvnia, which has become stronger on the interbank market."