IMF proposes new $8 billion program for Ukraine
Photo: Gavin Gray, head of the IMF mission in Ukraine (Getty Images)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission has prepared a new $8 billion lending program for Ukraine, according to the Verkhovna Rada Budget Committee, Roksolana Pidlasa.
Pidlasa noted that during official talks on the new program, details of Ukraine’s 2026 budget were discussed with IMF mission chief Gavin Gray and his colleagues.
"The total size of the program the IMF is offering Ukraine is about $8 billion over four years. This is less than we expected and less than we need, but the IMF program is key to securing funding from other partners, including a reparations loan," she added.
She clarified that the IMF's decision to launch the program is expected in January, with the first disbursement scheduled at the same time.
A preliminary requirement for the program to start is the approval of the 2026 budget within the deficit agreed with the IMF.
"Regarding structural benchmarks, the IMF is most interested in increasing state budget revenues, particularly by closing tax evasion schemes," Pidlasa said.
New IMF program
Ukraine's current program with the International Monetary Fund covers 2023–2027. However, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko requested that the Fund develop a new program, citing the ongoing war with Russia as the reason for a new agreement.
Recently, Ukraine's Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko said that the IMF could approve the new program as early as January.
