Headlines
IMF says it is committed to working with Ukraine to shape new support program
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on September 11, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Summary
The IMF is committed to developing a new support program for Ukraine, addressing its significant financial needs amid ongoing war efforts and infrastructure damage.
IMF says it is committed to working with Ukraine to shape new support program
IMF's New Support Program for Ukraine
By Andrea Shalal
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The International Monetary Fund is committed to working with Ukrainian authorities to shape a new lending program after the war-torn country filed a formal request earlier this week, IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said on Thursday.
Ukraine is spending about 60% of its total budget to fund its battle against Russia's invasion and relies heavily on financial support from its Western allies to cover the cost of pensions, public sector wages and humanitarian spending.
Current Financial Situation
Following Kyiv's request for a new program as a successor to the existing $15.6 billion support program, IMF staff will now engage with the Ukrainian authorities on macroeconomic policies needed to maintain stability, finance critical expenditures and restore debt sustainability, Kozack told a regular briefing.
IMF's Engagement with Ukrainian Authorities
Ukraine has received about $10.6 billion under its existing $15.6 billion Extended Fund Facility program, but budget experts say its needs are far greater given the ongoing battle against Russia's invasion in February 2022 and continued damage to critical infrastructure.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday a discrepancy of $10 billion to $20 billion in mid-term financing needs between the IMF and the government in Kyiv, citing an official familiar with current discussions.
FOCUS ON MOVING TO NEW PROGRAM
"The focus is very much on moving to the new program," Kozack told reporters, without acknowledging the shortfall report. She added that IMF staff would meet with the Ukrainian authorities to discuss a timeline for the new program, Ukraine's fiscal needs and the appropriate assumptions about the war.
"Right now, staff is working jointly with the authorities to look at the financing needs for the remainder of 2025, 2026 and over the medium term, the work that's underway is going to integrate proposed fiscal measures and a fiscal plan," she said.
Focus on Revenue and Expenditure Strategies
The IMF was also pushing for expenditure restraint and efforts to mobilize more revenue, as well as external financing strategies, she said.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Rodrigo Campos; Editing by Richard Chang)
Key Takeaways
- •IMF is committed to a new lending program for Ukraine.
- •Ukraine spends 60% of its budget on war efforts.
- •Current IMF support program is $15.6 billion.
- •Ukraine's mid-term financing needs are significant.
- •IMF focuses on fiscal strategies and revenue mobilization.
Frequently Asked Questions about IMF says it is committed to working with Ukraine to shape new support program
1What is the International Monetary Fund?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization that aims to promote global economic stability and growth by providing financial support and advice to member countries.
2What is debt sustainability?
Debt sustainability refers to a country's ability to manage its debt levels without requiring debt relief or accumulating further debt that it cannot repay.
3What is financial stability?
Financial stability is a condition where the financial system operates effectively, allowing for the smooth functioning of financial markets and institutions without excessive risk of crisis.
