Annual inflation in June was 2.4%, slightly higher than 1.7% in May. Last year, inflation was 4.1%, less than half the 9.8% recorded in 2018. President Zelenskiy told former central bank governor Yakiv Smoliy that he wants inflation this year to go up to 9-10%. Zelenskiy believes that by printing money, the government can cover the budget deficit and produce signs of economic growth by the Oct. 25 local elections.