WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday (Mar 21) it has reached an agreement with Ukrainian authorities on a loan package worth around US$15.6 billion, to support the conflict-hit country’s economic recovery.
The European country has been locked in a deadly war with Russian troops since they invaded the country in February last year.
“In addition to the horrific humanitarian toll, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to have a devastating impact on the economy,” IMF Ukraine mission chief Gavin Gray said, according to the statement.
The four-year plan, which is subject to approval from the IMF board, would support Ukraine’s “ongoing gradual economic recovery, while promoting long-term growth in the context of post-war reconstruction”, and the country’s path to European Union accession, the statement said.
Ukraine’s economic activity contracted by 30 per cent last year, while poverty rose and much of the capital stock was destroyed, Gray said.
