Concorde Capital’s Alexander Paraschiy writes of Smoliy’s interview: “Given (1) recent statements from Western institutions concerned about the NBU’s independence, (2) the removal of Smoliy and [Oleh] Churiy to the satisfaction of Zelenskiy’s entourage, (3) Smoliy’s accusations of political pressure and (4) what [NBU Council member Vitaliy] Shapran confirmed about Ukraine’s de facto “traditions,” it’s apparent that the President is about to take control of the NBU monetary policy. Western institutions have a right to be concerned about the threat to the bank’s independence, which had been among the top achievements of the Poroshenko administration.”