International Monetary Fund

The EU is struggling to develop new sanctions against Russia, considering restrictions on the movement of diplomats. An increase in profits for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets is also being discussed.

The Verkhovna Rada is preparing to consider a bill on the taxation of crypto assets. This will allow attracting up to UAH 20 billion annually to the budget and integrating Ukraine into global financial markets.

Syria plans to remove two zeros from its currency and issue new banknotes to restore confidence. The banknotes will be printed by the Russian company Goznak, which has already cooperated with Syria.

On August 22, Russian troops shelled the private sector of Kramatorsk, causing 10 explosions. Three people were injured, two of them in moderate condition.

Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko stated that Ukraine needs $45 billion for 2026, as hostilities are expected to continue. This need is not yet covered, and negotiations are underway with the G7, EU, and IMF.

Ukraine expects an IMF mission at the end of August, with Verkhovna Rada deputies as part of the negotiating group. The country seeks coordination of IMF and EU programs.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine presented the Draft Action Program for 2026, which includes 12 strategic goals. Among the key priorities are defense, European integration, and anti-corruption.

The International Monetary Fund mission arrives in Kyiv on August 25. The work will focus on preparing a new program with Ukraine.

The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate for August 8 at UAH 41. 4564/USD, strengthening it by 16 kopecks. The euro exchange rate is UAH 48.27/EUR, and the zloty is UAH 11.32/PLN.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. A new financial aid program was discussed, which should strengthen Ukraine now and in the post-war period.

Ukraine's international reserves decreased by 4. 5% in July to USD 43,030.8 million. This was due to foreign exchange interventions and debt payments, partially offset by inflows from partners.

European Commissioner Marta Kos and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova positively assessed the appointment of Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as director of the BEB. This decision by the Cabinet of Ministers is an important step towards strengthening institutions and fulfilling IMF conditions.

The National Bank of Ukraine is implementing a new package of currency liberalization. The changes will allow the repatriation of dividends for 2023, expand hedging opportunities, and simplify external loans.

A mission of the International Monetary Fund is expected in Kyiv at the end of August. Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko announced upcoming intensive negotiations and work on the 2026 budget.

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva discussed cooperation. The discussion focused on the 2026 budget project and finding solutions to cover Ukraine's financial needs.

Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, the winner of the competition for the position of director of the Bureau of Economic Security, will undergo a polygraph test. This decision was made after a conversation with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

Ukraine will face a significant increase in its funding deficit next year due to intense Russian attacks and failure to meet foreign creditors' reform demands. The country needs between $39 billion and $58 billion in external financing for next year alone.

The Cabinet of Ministers did not appoint Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as director of the Bureau of Economic Security, which jeopardizes the fulfillment of the IMF program conditions. MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported that the government again violated the law by not appointing the head of the BEB.

New Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Ukraine's likely appeal to the IMF for additional financing, as international donors have provided only half of the necessary funds. She also plans to discuss financial aid and joint weapons production with the United States.

Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the procedure regarding the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine was carried out in accordance with the laws. She noted that the government considered the decision and each member had the opportunity to express their position.

The Main Scientific and Expert Department of the VRU criticized the revised draft law on regulating the activities of the Deposit Guarantee Fund. The document poses a threat to legal certainty and the protection of the rights of depositors, creditors, and shareholders of banks.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced staff reductions due to AI implementation. Other companies, including Microsoft and Duolingo, are also announcing similar changes, which could affect millions of jobs worldwide.

The European Union is considering creating a 100 billion euro fund for long-term support to Ukraine, which will start flowing from 2028. This will strengthen Europe's role in financing Ukraine amid uncertainty regarding aid from the United States.

The European Commission is considering options to finance Ukraine's budget deficit for next year, which could reach $19 billion. Off-budget grants, advance loans, and the use of Russian assets are being discussed.

Donald Trump announced the introduction of an additional 10% tariffs on countries that join BRICS' "anti-American policies. " This announcement came amid the BRICS summit in Brazil, where the group criticized US tariff policies.

Ukraine's international reserves reached $45. 1 billion as of July 1, 2025, increasing by 1.2% in June. The growth was driven by inflows from partners, which exceeded currency sales and debt payments.

The IMF warned that Trump's tax bill would make it harder to reduce the US budget deficit and debt burden. The bill increases the deficit by $3.3 trillion, which contradicts the reduction of federal debt in the medium term.

The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine attracted $22 billion in external financing during the first six months of 2025. International support allowed for the provision of social and humanitarian expenditures, while domestic resources are directed towards security and defense.

The International Monetary Fund is calling on Ukraine to raise utility tariffs to ‘cost-recovery levels’. The increase is likely to affect gas, electricity, heating and hot water. This should help restore the energy sector's profitability.

The revised draft law No. 13007-d on the activity of the DGF contains norms that restrict the rights of depositors, remove responsibility from officials, and contradict legislation. Experts point to inconsistency with the IMF, risks of corruption, and lack of transparency in financial reporting.