IMF Chief Expects Ukraine Aid Program Approval Within Weeks

KYIV, Jan 15 — International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday she expects to seek executive board approval for a new $8.1 billion lending program for Ukraine in weeks, emphasizing the need to secure funding for the war-torn country.

Georgieva made the announcement after meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other top officials in Kyiv.

She noted that much has changed in Ukraine since a preliminary agreement was reached in November, but the core requirements of the program will remain unchanged.

"I'm here to see how the country is doing in these unusually harsh times, because I want to make sure that what was agreed in November is implementable as it was agreed," Georgieva said.

"We recognize that the direction to travel remains the same (but) the way we take these steps, we have to calibrate carefully."

The program aims to support Ukraine's economy amid ongoing conflict and financial challenges.

Georgieva's visit underscores the IMF's commitment to providing timely assistance to Ukraine.

The approval process involves the IMF's executive board, which will review the program details before making a final decision.

This funding is part of broader international efforts to stabilize Ukraine's economy during the war.

Further updates are expected as the board considers the proposal in the coming weeks.