Kyiv: In a decisive step reflecting Ukraine’s continued effort to assert its sovereignty and cultural identity, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has announced plans to rename its smallest monetary unit from the Russian-derived term “kopeck” (kopiyka in Ukrainian) to the historically rooted Ukrainian word “shah” (шах). This move is seen as part of Kyiv’s broader campaign to de-Russify its institutions and symbols in the wake of ongoing hostilities with Russia.

Andriy Pyshnyi, governor of the NBU, emphasized that the renaming represents more than semantics. “We should finally complete our monetary reform and remove any affinity, any connection with Moscow. Because we have our own term, and the time has come to finally take it back,” he told Reuters. Under the plan, the one kopiyka coin will gradually be replaced by the one shah coin over the coming months, with full implementation expected by the end of 2025.

Historically, the term “shah” was used in Kyiv-area coinage during the 16th and 17th centuries and reappeared briefly in the banknotes of Ukraine’s 1917–1921 national movements. By reviving this term, Ukrainian authorities are not only restoring historical continuity but also creating a tangible marker of national identity separate from Russian influence.

Experts say the decision carries strong symbolic weight in Ukraine’s broader nation-building efforts. Since the outbreak of full-scale war in February 2022, Kyiv has intensified initiatives to reinforce its national identity from renaming streets and removing Soviet-era monuments to promoting the Ukrainian language in public life. The renaming of the country’s smallest coin may seem minor in practical terms, but it underscores a deliberate effort to reshape public perception of statehood and sovereignty.

“Retaining the term ‘kopeck’ tied Ukraine to Russian and Soviet monetary traditions. By switching to ‘shah,’ Ukraine asserts a clear break from its historical and cultural dependencies on Moscow,” said a Ukrainian economic analyst.

The NBU has assured that the change will be gradual, designed to minimize disruption to everyday commerce. Coins will be re-labeled and gradually phased out, rather than replaced abruptly. Public awareness campaigns, including exhibitions and consultations, are planned to educate citizens about the change and its historical significance.

While some critics argue that a coin renaming is largely symbolic and could be a low-priority initiative during wartime, authorities counter that even minor elements of national infrastructure, such as currency, serve as powerful symbols of sovereignty and morale.

Beyond domestic symbolism, the renaming carries international implications. It sends a message to the global community that Ukraine is determined to assert full autonomy in all aspects of governance, including economic symbols. Analysts note that even small-scale reforms like this contribute to public confidence in national institutions and underscore Ukraine’s commitment to its cultural and political independence.

This initiative also places Ukraine alongside other post-Soviet states that have sought to reclaim cultural and monetary sovereignty after decades of Russian influence. While the immediate economic impact may be modest, the psychological and diplomatic significance is substantial, particularly amid ongoing conflict.

As the transition unfolds, Ukrainian authorities will closely monitor both public reception and operational efficiency in minting and circulation. The renaming of the kopiyka to shah marks another step in Kyiv’s long-term strategy to redefine its institutions, language, and symbols signaling that even the smallest units of currency can carry the weight of national identity.