IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozak said this on Thursday.
Kozak told reporters that it was crucial for Ukraine to mobilize domestic financial resources to cover part of its “very, very significant” financial needs in addition to the external support it receives from donors.
This meant broadening the tax base and moving part of the informal economy, estimated to account for about 45 percent of gross domestic product, out of the shadows and into the formal economy.
Kozak noted that Ukraine, as part of its program with the IMF, agreed to undertake comprehensive reforms that are also necessary to achieve Kiev’s goal of joining the European Union and attracting significant external donor support.
What will be checked
The main focus will be on expanding the tax base, whitewashing the shadow economy (which is estimated at about 45% of GDP) and mobilizing domestic financial resources.
The IMF emphasizes that it is critical for Ukraine to increase its own tax revenues to cover “very large-scale” financing needs, in addition to external assistance from donors.
The IMF Board of Directors approved a new 4-year $8.1 billion (SDR 5.9 billion) program in February 2026. Ukraine has already received the first tranche of $1.5 billion immediately after the program was approved.
The program is aimed at maintaining macroeconomic stability and structural reforms, which are also necessary for Ukraine’s integration into the EU. The upcoming mission will check whether Ukraine has fulfilled the reform commitments agreed upon when the program was approved, including changes in the tax system.
