"We are prepared for delays": parliamentarian reveals when Ukraine may exhaust foreign aid

Ukraine is prepared for possible delays in receiving international financing. Current resources are enough to cover the budget shortfall through the first quarter.

Source: Roksolana Pidlasa, Chair of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Budget Committee, following a meeting with Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund

Quote from Pidlasa: "I stressed that the government and parliament are prepared for delays in financing, so we have sufficient international funds to cover the budget deficit and ensure all state-guaranteed payments in the first quarter of 2026.

However, we must approve the cooperation programme at the IMF Executive Board meeting as soon as possible in order to open the way for EU and IMF budget financing."

Details: Other partner financing depends on a new IMF programme. To access it, Ukraine must fulfil the Fund's prior actions, including ending tax exemptions on duty-free imports of parcels from abroad, passing a law on the taxation of digital platforms and submitting a bill to parliament introducing value-added tax (VAT) for sole traders.

Quote from Pidlasa: "The most contentious requirements for parliament remain ending tax exemptions on parcels and introducing VAT for sole traders. Arguments have been presented for easing these conditions (which can be done before the IMF Executive Board approves the cooperation programme), highlighting that electricity and heating shortages, along with persistent attacks, hinder business activity."

Background:

• On 15 January, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Ukraine for talks.
• After meeting with Georgieva, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said the discussion focused on preparations for approving the next IMF support programme, which is crucial for maintaining Ukraine's macro-financial stability.
• The IMF itself expects that the new cooperation programme could be approved in February 2026, but this will depend primarily on Ukraine's fulfilment of the agreed prior actions.

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