Ukrainian govt calls for new cooperation program with IMF

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government has proposed intensifying joint work with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a new program of cooperation, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

"I told about this document a conversation with [Director of the IMF's European Department] Alfred Kammer," Ukrainian media outlets quoted Shmyhal as saying on social media.

The Ukrainian government, for its part, is working to strengthen the economic stability of Ukraine, is preparing for the most difficult heating season, and has launched grant programs to encourage business and to support people, he said.

"Ukraine and the IMF have a long history of relations. We count on the strengthening of cooperation," Shmyhal said.

National Bank of Ukraine Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko said earlier that Ukraine expects to have a new cooperation program with the IMF with a budget ranging from $15 billion to $20 billion.

Ukraine faces a monthly budget deficit of $5 billion, not counting the need for additional gas imports. According to Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, since February 24 Ukraine has been given $12.7 billion in foreign support and is holding negotiations on another $14 billion. Ukraine received $4.4 billion in foreign assistance in June, $1.7 billion in August, and expects to receive $6 billion in August and $4.7 billion in September, he said.

"[Foreign assistance in] October and the subsequent months will depend on the outcome of negotiations with our partners and the IMF," Marchenko said.