IMF approves $690 million for Ukraine after latest programme review

IMF approves $690 million for Ukraine after latest programme review
A view of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., 24 November, 2024. Reuters
Reuters

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed its latest review of Ukraine's financing programme, clearing the way for the immediate release of around $690 million in additional support. The latest disbursement brings total funding under the programme to about $2.2 billion.

The decision brings total disbursements under Ukraine's current IMF loan programme to approximately $2.2 billion, the Fund said in a statement on Monday.

Ukraine is operating under an $8.1 billion IMF programme aimed at supporting economic stability, strengthening financial resilience and advancing reforms amid the ongoing war with Russia.

IMF review highlights economic challenges

The latest review comes as Ukraine faces growing pressure on its economy due to intensified Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.

The IMF said Ukraine had managed to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability despite the impact of the war. However, it warned that the economic outlook had weakened because of continued strikes on key infrastructure and the wider effects of instability linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Fund said Ukraine's programme performance remained "broadly satisfactory", with all end-March quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets achieved.

However, Ukraine missed its end-June target for net international reserves, partly because of the impact of developments in the Middle East.

Reform progress slows

The IMF noted that the pace of reforms had slowed, with several structural benchmarks either delayed or not completed.

"To keep the programme on track, IMF staff and the Ukrainian authorities agreed on a revised timeline for reforms, corrective measures to address delays and additional policy commitments," the Fund said.

The agreement was reached in June as part of efforts to ensure continued progress under the financing programme.

IMF urges focus on financial stability

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said maintaining macroeconomic stability remained Ukraine's immediate priority.

She called for continued prudent fiscal and monetary policies, along with measures to strengthen the resilience of the country's financial sector.

The IMF has provided financial support to Ukraine throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, with assistance focused on helping Kyiv manage wartime economic pressures while implementing long-term reforms.

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