Today, the IMF starts video link talks with Ukraine

Today, the IMF starts video link talks with Ukraine, reviewing the $5 billion Stand-by Arrangement signed last June. Only one tranche of the 18-month deal has been delivered, also last June. Holding up more money were: last summer’s purge of the Central Bank and last fall’s Constitutional Court rulings to dismantle anti-corruption agencies. Gösta Ljungman, the IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine, said: “Given the COVID pandemic, the mission will hold remote meetings with the Ukrainian authorities to discuss economic developments, and policies and reforms to underpin the completion of the review.” Prime Minister Shmyhal said he doesn’t expect Ukraine to get a second tranche by February or March “if there are no surprises.”