well this is what happened with russia when they did it maybe there is hope: "We declare today that there will be no more inflation," Yeltsin said. "An end has been put to it. New zeros will never again appear on our bank notes." Despite the president's optimism, his announcement alarmed many Russians who vividly recall losing their savings in earlier currency "reforms" and worry how they will fare in this conversion. In addition, some economists and politicians warned that renumbering the ruble will lead to price increases that will harm the poor most of all. Yeltsin, however, said he would guarantee that Russians will not lose money because of the introduction of the new notes, and he promised a smooth conversion that will take place over five years. "Nobody is going to lose anything as a result of the reform," the president pledged. "Nobody's interests will be trampled on; the reform will not amount to confiscation."