KIEV, Feb. 3 - The total direct and guaranteed state debt of Ukraine in 2016 increased by $5.46 billion, or 8.3%, to $70.97 billion, according to the Finance Ministry.

"The main reason is financing of the national budget via state borrowing, capitalization of PrivatBank (Dnipro), the Individuals Deposit Guarantee Fund, and devaluation of the national currency from almost UAH 24.00/$1 to near UAH 27.19/$1," the ministry said.