Ukraine continues cooperation with IMF – president

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a reliable partner for Ukraine, and Kyiv will remain a partner that fulfills its obligations.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this at a meeting with the mission of the International Monetary Fund in Ukraine headed by Ron van Rooden in Kyiv on Tuesday, the press service of the head of state reported.

"Our cooperation continues. The International Monetary Fund has always been a reliable partner of Ukraine in times when we need support, and Ukraine, for its part, will also remain a partner that fulfills its obligations. Unfortunately, we are currently observing a delay in adopting the reformist draft laws long-awaited by the citizens, business and financial community. I hope that the parliament of a new convocation will make up for this and provide a basis for receiving the next tranche from the Fund," Zelensky stressed.

The head of state explained that several factors had influenced the decision to dissolve the Verkhovna Rada. "I believe this Verkhovna Rada has lost the ability to make responsible decisions," he said.

For his part, Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine Yakiv Smoliy stressed that the continuation of cooperation with the IMF was extremely important for maintaining financial stability in Ukraine.

"By the end of this year, our country must pay over USD 5 billion in foreign and domestic liabilities in foreign currency. The volume of international reserves is currently USD 19.3 billion, and this is enough to fulfill sovereign obligations. At the same time, cooperation with the IMF is also an access to another financing, a guarantee of the continuation of structural reforms crucial for the long-term sustainable growth of the Ukrainian economy," he said.

For their part, the IMF’s representatives have demonstrated willingness to continue the discussion on further cooperation with Ukraine once a new Government is formed after the parliamentary elections. Before that, there will be ongoing consultations on the formation of a new reform agenda.

Ukrinform