Brussels supports Kyiv in its dialogue with IMF, says EU diplomat
The European Union encourages the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to take a constructive position towards Kyiv in the dialog between Ukraine and the IMF on the resumption of funding, a senior EU official has said.
"Ukraine has found itself in a serious financial situation," a senior European diplomat told Interfax-Ukraine.
"Kyiv needs access to additional funding of the International Monetary Fund. This discussion continues. We support Ukraine's position in this situation, through encouraging the IMF to take a constructive view."
The source said that any assistance from the IMF would be made under certain conditions.
"Ukraine has to decide to accept or not to accept such conditions. But we have stated that if the situation with the IMF is resolved, we will also provide additional funds of macroeconomic assistance. We also said that after the signing, we are ready to provide additional financial resources for the modernization of industry and the introduction of mechanisms of market transformation. All of this remains on the table."
The diplomat also reiterated the position of Brussels that the Association Agreement could not have any negative impact on the trade relations with Russia.
"Only Russian somehow thinks differently," the source said.
Ukraine's losses in trade with Russia have nothing to do with a deep and comprehensive free trade area it could establish with the EU. They were caused by the actions taken by Russia, as the EU's trade relations with Ukraine remain unchanged, the diplomat said.