IMF team begins meetings in Kyiv: what will be discussed

Experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Ukraine mission chief Gavin Gray, began meetings with Ukrainian officials on 18 March as part of the IMF staff's visit.

Source: Priscilla Toffano, the IMF's Resident Representative in Ukraine

Quote: "Discussions will focus on macroeconomic policy and key structural reforms."

Details: Ukraine's parliament is expected to adopt a number of legislative changes by the end of March, including tax increases for businesses and households under the new four-year loan programme approved last month.

However, lawmakers have not yet considered several amendments required by the IMF.

In addition, on 10 March, parliament rejected a bill on taxing income earned through electronic platforms, which was also part of the agreement with the IMF.

Tax increases for businesses and other measures are highly unpopular with the public in the fifth year of the war, but they are needed to unlock the remaining IMF funding (a total of US$8.1 billion). Kyiv has already received US$1.5 billion under the new programme.

Background: The IMF has expressed concern about Ukraine's ability to continue receiving funding under the US$8.1 billion package, as MPs are delaying the adoption of measures needed to unlock these funds.

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