IMF Mission Arrives in Kyiv as Key Reforms Stall

An IMF mission led by Gavin Gray arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to begin the first review of Ukraine’s $8.1 billion Extended Fund Facility program, with a $685.5 million tranche expected in early June. Reform progress is mixed: parliament approved the military levy extension, but failed to pass VAT on small parcels, while a proposal on VAT for sole proprietors remains under discussion.