Sweden offers loan to Ukraine

Ukraine is in a very vulnerable situation. The Russian aggression against the eastern parts of the country and the fighting that has been ongoing for a year now have exacerbated an already difficult economic crisis. However, the new Ukrainian Government has demonstrated a clear willingness for reforms and has begun a comprehensive restructuring of the economy.

The International Monetary Fund, IMF, is today expected to decide on increased support to Ukraine. Moreover, the European Commission has presented a proposal on a third Macro-Financial Assistance loan to Ukraine, which Sweden welcomes. Despite this, there remains a need to support the far-reaching reforms that the country has to implement.

It is important that individual countries also show their confidence in and solidarity with Ukraine. Sweden has therefore decided to offer Ukraine a bilateral loan of USD 100 million. This loan, together with our political support for the country’s autonomous path, independence and territorial integrity, will help to strengthen Ukraine.

The exact conditions will be determined once a negotiation has taken place with Ukraine. We hope that the loan can begin to be disbursed in early 2016.