WASHINGTON -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he has spoken with the chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about his country’s financial situation and its plans for postwar reconstruction efforts.
In a tweet on April 17, Zelenskiy said he had “discussed with IMF Managing Director [Kristalina] Georgieva the issue of ensuring Ukraine's financial stability & preparations for postwar reconstruction.”
“We have clear plans for now, as well as a vision of prospects. I’m sure cooperation between the IMF & Ukraine will continue to be fruitful," Zelenskiy said.
Retweeting Zelenskiy’s comments, Georgieva said that “continued economic support by Ukraine’s partners is essential to lay the foundations for rebuilding a modern, competitive Ukraine.”
Georgieva is a Bulgarian economist who has also served as the World Bank’s chief executive and acting president.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is scheduled to attend meetings with the IMF and World Bank officials in Washington this week to seek additional funds for Ukraine, which has seen its economy nearly collapse following the unprovoked February 24 invasion by Russian troops.
Shmyhal on April 17 called on Western nations to provide his country with additional financial aid, along with weapons and ammunition.
"Only half of our economy is working," he told ABC, adding that Ukraine faces a monthly budget deficit of $5 billion.
Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko and central bank Governor Kyrylo Shevchenko are scheduled to join Shmyhal in Washington and take part in a roundtable on Ukraine hosted by the World Bank on April 21.
World Bank President David Malpass said last week that the Washington-based organization is preparing a $1.5 billion support package for Ukraine.