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IMF's Georgieva Makes Unannounced Kyiv Visit to Gauge Progress on New Loan Program

The visit tests Ukraine's readiness for a four-year, $8.2 billion IMF package conditioned on budget passage, revenue steps, donor assurances.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during an interview with Reuters, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 15, 2026. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Overview

  • Georgieva met Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Kyiv and is scheduled to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyy.
  • The IMF is reviewing progress on the 2026 budget, tax‑base expansion, and anti‑evasion measures as it prepares a board review in the coming weeks.
  • EU leaders approved a two‑year €90 billion support loan that Ukraine would service only if Russia pays reparations after the war.
  • The Fund estimates a financing gap of about $136.5 billion through 2029, making IMF approval pivotal for unlocking broader external support.
  • Ukraine faces severe wartime strains, including defense spending near 27.2% of GDP in 2026 and a worsening energy crisis that left large parts of Kyiv without power.