1. International Monetary Fund
The IMF came to the rescue by providing a $17.5 billion bailout program, approved in 2015. The deal came conditioned on reforms to revitalize the economy and uproot corruption. But Ukraine received its last tranche of $1 billion in April because it failed to meet crucial requirements, including raising natural gas prices to market levels.
Altogether, Ukraine received $8.6 billion from the IMF under the four year deal that runs through the end of 2018. Ukraine would have already received $14.5 billion if it had met its obligations. Besides creating a market-based energy sector, Ukraine needs to privatize state-owned enterprises, lift the moratorium on agricultural land sales and create a trustworthy judicial system.
2. US security assistance
Despite U. S. President Donald J. Trump’s praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his administration continued to support Ukraine in fighting off Russia’s war. In November, the U.S Congress approved $350 million in security assistance for Ukraine in 2018.
The assistance package includes both lethal and non-lethal equipment, training and technical assistance. As with the IMF, Ukraine’s U.S. aid package has conditions, including greater transparency in military spending.
3. Lithuania’s military support
Lithuania has been actively supporting Ukraine in its struggle, transferring 2 million euros worth of arms and ammunition to Ukraine on Nov. 29. The list of weapons includes Kalashnikov rifles, cartridges, machine guns and mortars.
4. EBRD finances energy efficiency
Ukraine struck a deal with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a 100 million euro loan on Nov. 17 to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse emissions in Ukraine’s public sector and local lighting infrastructure. The money will be provided to municipal energy companies in Ukraine.
5. EBRD’s subway project
The EBRD also approved a 160 million euro loan for further construction of a subway line in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city with 1.5 million residents. The city’s third metro line will be extended by 3.5 kilometers to the southern districts of the city with the addition of two new stations.
