KIEV, Feb. 9 - Ukraine had 2.9% inflation in January, the same as in January 2008 but up from 2.1% inflation in December, the State Statistics Committee said.

In annual terms (January-to-January), inflation came to 22.3%, the highest rate in Europe.

Ukrainian inflation in 2008 also measured 22.3%, the highest since inflation of 25.8% recorded in 2000. The government is maintaining its 2009 inflation forecast at 9.5%, but independent sources believe inflation will be higher. The World Bank has forecast Ukraine will have 13.6% inflation this year.