The Ukrainian parliament endorsed President Zelensky’s nominee Kyrylo Shevchenko as the new Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) on July 16, just hours after he emerged as the Ukrainian leader’s pick for the post. The appointment comes two weeks after Zelensky forced out Shevchenko’s predecessor, Yakiv Smolii, in controversial circumstances. It leaves open the question of whether the NBU under its new leadership will continue to enjoy the kind of policy and regulatory independence it has been able to exercise since 2015.
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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)
