Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine and Implications for the Ukrainian Hryvnia and the Russian Ruble

Abstract

This paper examines the interest rates, expected spot rates, and inflation rates of the Ukrainian Hryvnia (₴) to the Russian Ruble (₽). Our methodology analyzes international parity relationships, including Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and the International Fisher Effect (IFE). Focusing on the four years from two years before Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, i.e., February 2, 2020 to post-conflict up to December 2023, we hypothesize that the geopolitical tensions induced by the invasion have led to significant fluctuations and high volatility of these currencies. Additionally, we propose that the economic consequences of the invasion, such as disruptions to trade and food and supply shortages, may further affect these variables by increasing domestic and international money financing, therefore triggering higher inflation rates. Our analyses indicate that spot rates predicted using international parity relationships suggest the weakening of the Ukrainian Hryvnia after the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Our findings shed light on the magnitude and direction of currency movements, providing insights into the economic ramifications of the conflict. Specifically, we aim to elucidate how the invasion has impacted the region's exchange rates and economic stability.