KIEV, Jan. 12 – A statement by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko that the hryvnia exchange rate will total about UAH 6 per $1 this year is a display of "either a lack of knowledge or an attempt to deceive voters," Serhiy Lyovochkin, the deputy Regions Party leader, has said.

"There are no reasons to speak about a strengthening of the hryvnia exchange rate," the party's press service cited Lyovochkin as saying.