Boosted by bond sales and high export commodity prices, Ukraine’s international reserves increased by 2% in July, hitting $29 billion

, reports the National Bank of Ukraine. The Finance Ministry in July placed $526 million worth of Eurobonds and sold $140 million in domestic government bonds. With more money coming in from exports, the bank bought $188 million net in July. At the same time, the country paid $417 million to service foreign currency debt in July. With the influx of dollars, the hryvnia has appreciated by 5% against the dollar since January.