Ukraine lands lenient IMF loan as funding gaps loom

The IMF approved an $8.1 billion loan to Ukraine with more flexible terms than initially planned, disbursing in installments through early 2030 and starting with a $1.5 billion tranche. Kyiv won a delay on unpopular tax measures (online retailer taxes, imported parcels, and VAT changes for the self-employed) to a later date. The program, aimed at addressing growth bottlenecks, corruption, and energy/financial sector reforms, is designed to cover about two-thirds of Ukraine’s needs through 2027, but Kyiv could face cash shortfalls by mid-2026 if other funding lags; Hungary’s blockade of a separate €90 billion loan adds pressure while EU leaders seek a rapid resolution.