KIEV, March 19 - Ukraine's current account deficit expanded to $12.9 billion, or 7.1% of GDP, in 2008, from $5.3 billion, or 3.7% of GDP, in 2007, according to updated statistics posted on the National Bank's Web site.

The bank released preliminary data in January indicating that the current account deficit widened to $11.9 billion, or 6.7% of GDP, in 2008. The current account deficit grew as the foreign trade deficit rose to $17 billion, the bank said.