Poroshenko, Merkel Discuss International Aid for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed Saturday the issues of international economic assistance to Ukraine by phone.

MOSCOW, December 28 (Sputnik) – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed provision of international aid to Ukraine in a telephone conversation, the Ukrainian leader's press service said.

“The parties discussed issues of international economic aid for Ukraine. President Poroshenko and Chancellor Merkel agreed that the prompt approval of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program would help to settle the economic situation, as well as to promote receiving aid from other international donors,” the press service stated.

The leaders also stressed the importance of Minsk peaceful agreements, saying the warring sides had to fulfill all points of the deal. This includes border seal, troops withdrawal and setting a demarcation line.

In 2014, Ukraine received $8,2 billion aid from international financial institutions and partner countries. Earlier, according to media, the IMF estimated that Ukraine needed additional $15 billion to avoid financial collapse. The IMF mission is set to visit Kiev in early 2015 to negotiate further funding with the Ukrainian authorities.