The International Monetary Fund is expressing worry that Ukraine could lose access to a critical $8.1 billion aid package due to legislative delays in the country’s parliament, according to a Bloomberg News report released Tuesday citing an IMF official with knowledge of the situation.
Ukraine’s lawmakers face a deadline at the end of March to approve legislative changes that would increase taxes on both businesses and households, a requirement under the four-year loan agreement that received approval in February, the report indicated.
The IMF previously provided $1.5 billion to Ukraine in February to support government operations as the nation continues its defense against Russia’s invasion, now entering its fifth year.
Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report, and the IMF has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
According to the anonymous source cited by Bloomberg, IMF staff members under the leadership of mission chief Gavin Gray are scheduled to begin meetings with Ukrainian legislators starting March 18. The source requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions.
