KIEV, Aug. 6 – Recent statements by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to the effect that the hryvnia should trade at a rate of UAH 6.0-6.5/$1 were made under pressure from lobbyists for banking interests who want to receive cheap currency to pay foreign debts, according to Ihor Burakovsky, director of the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting.

"It's obvious that these are people who are affiliated with the Ukrainian banking system and who need to return large foreign debts," he said.