An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission arrived in Kyiv to begin the first review of Ukraine’s $8.1 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. IMF approval serves as a key signal of creditworthiness for other donors and lenders supporting Ukraine.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The mission, led by Gavin Gray, is holding talks with Ukrainian authorities on macroeconomic policies and structural reforms, the IMF said on Wednesday. A successful review would unlock a $685.5 million tranche expected in early June. Reform progress mixed Ukraine has yet to fully meet key reform targets set for March, particularly a package of tax measures for 2026–2027. Parliament has failed to pass several required bills, raising the risk that the next tranche could be delayed. On the eve of the mission, the Verkhovna Rada did not approve amendments introducing value-added tax (VAT) on imported parcels valued under €150 ($176). At the same time, lawmakers approved an extension of the military levy. A bill aligning with EU reporting standards for digital platforms passed its first reading but still requires revisions. A proposal to introduce VAT for sole proprietors earning above Hr.4 million ($90,900) annually has not been submitted to parliament following opposition from business groups and lawmakers. Following this, the IMF signaled openness to discussing alternative revenue measures ahead of the 2027 budget. Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva listens as Ukraine Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko addresses the assembled delegates at the Ninth Ministerial Roundtable Meeting for Support to Ukraine during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington, DC, April 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the IMF Photo/Nicholas Karlin)