Today the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine made a significant step towards desovietization by supporting in the first reading Bill No. 14093 on renaming the small denomination coin kopeck to a much more nationally infused name — "shah".
The bill received the support of 264 members of parliament, underscoring the symbolic significance of this step for the country. This transition aims to strengthen Ukrainian identity and overcome Russian influence, which has even persisted in currency traditions since the times of the Soviet Union.
Historical Context and Significance of the "Shah"
The "shah" as a name for a small coin is rooted in the history of Ukraine, as it was used during the times of the Hetmanate and the Ukrainian People's Republic (1918-1919). The introduction of the new name does not require additional financial expenditure, and existing 50 kopeck coins will be used in parallel with the new 50 shahs.
The initiators of the bill emphasize that the name change is not only a technical correction but also a restoration of historical justice. "Even the coins of Ukraine will no longer be under Russian influence. It is a small step in metal, but a very large step in justice," emphasized Ruslan Stefanchuk, speaker of the Verkhovna Rada.
What to Expect Next
The bill stipulates that the order and timing of the withdrawal of kopecks from circulation will be regulated by regulations of the National Bank of Ukraine. After the final adoption of the bill, a plenary session is planned for December 27 to finalize this important decision.
The related changes will be reflected in the laws on the National Bank, on pension provision, on capital markets, and in the Tax Code.
At the moment, the "kopeck" remains in circulation in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, but the new name for the small coin is intended to stand as evidence of the uniqueness of Ukrainian culture and a step towards complete separation from past influences.
