KIEV, Aug, 20 – Inflation in Ukraine in 2009 will be 16%, while GDP will fall by 13.5%, according to a forecast from the International Center for Policy Studies.

"Real GDP will fall by 13.5% over the year. The hryvnia [the official exchange rate] will fall to UAH 10 per $1 by late 2009 [the average rate over 2009 will be UAH 8.3 per $1]. Inflation will slow down from 22.3% to 16% in 2009 due to the decrease in consumer demand. The unemployment rate will grow to 10%," according to a report by the center.

As reported, the International Monetary Fund forecasts a 14% fall in Ukraine's GDP over 2009 and 13% inflation.