Ukraine New PM Seeks Fresh IMF Funding Amid War

Ukraine's new Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, has indicated plans to seek additional financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, given that international donors have only provided half of the $75 billion needed for the country's war-strained budget over the next two years. She highlighted the likelihood of a new IMF program if the conflict with Russia continues into the next year and is also in talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss further funding and cooperation on arms procurement, including the production of Patriot missile defense systems and drones. Germany, along with Norway's financing, has committed to providing five Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, though funding for some systems may still require contributions from other NATO members. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that Ukraine needs over $6 billion to boost domestic weapons production to reduce reliance on external aid. The UK has imposed new sanctions targeting Russia's attempts to circumvent oil sanctions, and Ukraine and Russia are scheduled for another round of peace talks, though previous rounds have not resulted in a ceasefire. Svyrydenko emphasized the urgency of achieving results quickly to strengthen Ukraine's financial and military resilience amid ongoing conflict.