IMF Chief Visits Kyiv Ahead of Board Approval for $8.1 Billion Ukraine Program

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva visited Kyiv in a secret trip to assess Ukraine's progress on an $8.1 billion lending program agreed in November. Despite worsening conditions due to the ongoing war and harsh winter, Ukrainian officials remain committed to reforms, including introducing a VAT exemption removal in parliament. The IMF expects to seek board approval for the program in the coming weeks, which is crucial for unlocking further donor financing to address Ukraine's significant economic challenges through 2029.