Ukrainian PM: Faster approval of 2026 budget is necessary for new IMF program
Photo: Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko (Getty Images)
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and a delegation from the International Monetary Fund discussed the draft state budget for 2026. Approval of the budget is important for securing new financial assistance from the IMF, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, following the meeting.
Svyrydenko reminded that the IMF mission, the Ukrainian government, and the National Bank of Ukraine are working in Kyiv on a new Extended Fund Facility program for 2026–2029. It is needed to support Ukraine’s stability amid the war against Russian forces.
"We reported on the government’s action plan to overhaul the management system in the energy sector, including launching a competition for the new composition of the supervisory board of NAEK Energoatom and starting an audit of the company. At the same time, we are conducting competitions in all key state-owned enterprises in the energy sector as planned," she said.
Another important point is that the government and the IMF discussed Ukraine’s draft state budget for 2026, which is already under consideration by the Verkhovna Rada. Svyrydenko emphasized that passing the budget as soon as possible is necessary to approve the new program.
"Together with our partners at the IMF, we expressed hope that the vote on the document will take place no later than December 2. We must do everything necessary to ensure proper funding for the state’s defense and social needs from the beginning of the first quarter of 2026," the Prime Minister concluded.
Photo: Faster approval of the 2026 budget is necessary for the new IMF program (https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/967)
Photo: Faster approval of the 2026 budget is necessary for the new IMF program (https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/967)
Photo: Faster approval of the 2026 budget is necessary for the new IMF program (https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/967)
State Budget for 2026: Details
In October, the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) approved the draft state budget for 2026 in the first reading. The main expenditures in the budget will be defense-related. At the same time, the budget committee recommended several amendments during the review, concerning the defense sector and other areas.
Following this, on November 5, the Cabinet of Ministers submitted the 2026 budget for the second reading with increased expenditures. However, the vote in the Rada was postponed and is now expected to take place on December 1.
