Optimism reigns on international financial support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Groysman told journalists in Berlin on Wednesday that he expects “a positive decision in December” by the IMF Board on Ukraine’s $3.9 billion standby program. Separately, Finance Minister Oksana Markarova tells reporters that on Dec. 18, the World Bank will review $750 million financing for Ukraine — $100 million more than initially announced. Concorde Capital’s Alexander Paraschiy writes: “International support seems to be arriving on schedule. We do expect that Ukraine will receive $2.7-3.0 billion from international financial institutions and the EU by the end of 2018.”