Kyrylo Shevchenko wearing a face mask to protect against the coronavirus looks on as lawmakers vote on his candidacy for the post of Ukraine’s central bank chief during a session of the parliament in Kiev on July 16, 2020. – Ukraine’s parliament on July 16, 2020 appointed a new central bank chief after the controversial departure of his predecessor and amid concerns in Western countries over the bank’s independence. (Photo by ANDRII NESTERENKO / POOL / AFP)
Kyrylo Shevchenko, head of state-owned Ukrgasbank, has been confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, as the new governor of the National Bank of Ukraine. He will replace Yakiv Smolii, the former governor, who resigned due to political pressure.
After two weeks of rumors, Shevchenko’s nomination moved with lightning speed. President Volodymyr Zelensky registered the proposal bill late in the evening on July 15. The following morning, parliament’s finance committee voted 22-5-1 in his favor, after a 45-minute confirmation hearing.