Ukrainian Parliament Goes Crypto: Bitcoin Bill Sparks Joy and Confusion! 🎉

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In a move that could only be described as “historically significant” (or perhaps just historically confusing), Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has decided to register draft law No. 13356. This delightful little piece of legislation aims to add “virtual assets” like Bitcoin to the National Bank of Ukraine’s (NBU) collection of shiny things, which already includes gold and foreign currency. Because who doesn’t want a bit of digital magic in their vaults? 🪙✨

Filed on the 10th of June during the 13th session of the ninth convocation (which sounds like a wizarding school term), the bill boasts eight cross-party sponsors, including the ever-enthusiastic Yaroslav Zheleznyak, who is apparently the first deputy finance-committee chair. One can only imagine the lively debates that ensued over tea and biscuits.

The parliamentary bill card has confirmed that the Finance, Tax and Customs Policy Committee will be the main rapporteur, while the Digital Transformation, Budget, Anti-Corruption, and EU-Integration committees will be co-reviewers. It’s like a committee party, and everyone’s invited! 🎉

Ukraine Introduces Bill To Add Bitcoin To NBU Reserves

According to an explanatory note from the LigaZakon legal portal (which sounds like a place where legal wizards gather), this draft will insert virtual assets into the list of internationally recognized reserve assets under the 1999 Law “On the National Bank of Ukraine.” Yes, that’s right, folks! Bitcoin is getting a VIP pass! 🎟️

But wait, there’s more! The bill would also authorize three new channels for acquiring these assets: direct market purchases, accepting income in virtual assets, and borrowing from multilateral lenders or foreign central banks. It’s like a buffet of financial options, and everyone’s trying to get a plate! 🍽️

Zheleznyak, in his infinite wisdom, emphasized that the language is permissive rather than compulsory. “We give the National Bank the right to include virtual assets in Ukraine’s reserves. How, when, and how much is left entirely to the regulator,” he said, probably while sipping a cup of tea. He added that the proposal “does not oblige” the NBU but positions Ukraine “within global financial innovation.” Because nothing says innovation like a bit of digital currency! 💡

As of June 18, the full text of the bill is still playing hide and seek on the Rada portal, with several legal outlets noting that the PDF remains as elusive as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Nonetheless, this outline is the clearest attempt yet to give the NBU explicit authority to hold Bitcoin alongside its existing assets—gold, IMF Special Drawing Rights, foreign-currency cash, and high-grade securities. Quite the eclectic collection! 🏦

Ukraine’s international reserves stood at a whopping $44.53 billion on June 1, according to the NBU data cited by Sudova Yurydychna Hazeta. Supporters argue that allowing a crypto component would diversify that stockpile and could serve as a backup settlement rail if wartime disruptions sever traditional channels. Because who needs traditional when you can have crypto? 🚀

If this bill is enacted, Kyiv would join a very exclusive club of sovereigns whose laws explicitly permit Bitcoin to be held as a reserve asset. El Salvador, with its strategic holding of just over 6,200 BTC, is currently the only country reporting such positions. Talk about being a trendsetter! 🌍

Under Rada procedure, the draft now awaits a first-reading recommendation from the Finance Committee, after which it can be scheduled for plenary debate. No timetable has been announced, but the bill’s cross-factional sponsorship and the absence of immediate objections from the central bank suggest that this proposal will receive serious consideration in the coming months. Fingers crossed! 🤞

At press time, BTC traded at $10,976. So, if you’re thinking of investing, now might be the time to consult your crystal ball! 🔮

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2025-06-18 18:47