Despite tight border controls imposed during last spring’s coronavirus lockdown, remittances from Ukrainians working outside the country increased by 2% last year, to $12.1 billion,

Despite tight border controls imposed during last spring’s coronavirus lockdown, remittances from Ukrainians working outside the country increased by 2% last year, to $12.1 billion, according to data from the National Bank of Ukraine. Transfers through banks increased by 24%, to $4.7 billion. Another $2.7 billion came in through international payment systems. Informal channels – through relatives, friends and bus drivers – decreased, probably due to difficulties crossing borders.