Ukraine has unblocked 4.2 billion euros in international aid: an expert explained when the funds will arrive and what conditions still need to be met

Ukraine has unlocked 4.2 billion euros in international financial assistance thanks to the adoption of a number of laws by the Verkhovna Rada. At the same time, the state expects to receive another 25 billion dollars in budget support by the end of 2026. To do this, the parliament must fulfill additional obligations to international partners.

This was reported on Ukrainian Radio by Oleg Pendzin, an expert from the Economic Discussion Club.

According to him, funding under the European Union’s Ukraine Facility program directly depends on Ukraine’s implementation of the agreed reforms.

When will Ukraine receive 4.2 billion euros

The expert noted that the legislative changes adopted by the parliament opened the possibility of receiving 4.2 billion euros from the European Union and 700 million dollars from the International Monetary Fund.

At the same time, the actual receipt of funds is expected after the president signs the relevant laws.

According to Pendzin, international assistance may arrive within one to two weeks.

He recalled that the Ukrainian budget for 2026 provided for attracting $51.2 billion in external financing. However, as of the end of September, the state had received only $19.9 billion, or about 37% of the planned amount.

The reason for the delays was the failure to fulfill some of the obligations to international partners.

What laws allowed the aid to be unblocked

Among the decisions of the Verkhovna Rada necessary to receive financing, the expert named changes in the taxation of international parcels, financial monitoring, the activities of the Accounting Chamber, and property valuation.

In particular, one of the obligations to the IMF was the cancellation of the VAT exemption for foreign parcels worth up to 150 euros.

According to the calculations of the Ministry of Finance, the relevant changes can provide the state budget with an additional about 10 billion hryvnias each year.

At the same time, an exception is provided for non-commercial shipments between individuals worth up to 45 euros.

According to Pendzin, the new rules for taxing parcels should come into force in July 2027.

Why there were delays in financing communities

Due to a lack of funds in the single treasury account, the state was forced to temporarily limit the financing of unprotected budget items.

In particular, transfers to local communities totaling about 20 billion hryvnias were delayed.

This affected the payment of utility bills, repair of heating networks, purchase of fuel, and preparation for the heating season.

At the same time, as the economist explained, the restrictions did not apply to protected budget expenditures, in particular, salaries of budget employees and social assistance.

It is expected that after the receipt of international funding, communities will be able to gradually resume settlements under economic contracts.

How much international aid does Ukraine plan to receive in 2027?

According to Pendzin, Ukraine will need about $50 billion in international budget support in 2027.

These funds are planned to be directed primarily to financing social expenditures, in particular, paying salaries to state employees and ensuring social guarantees.

The expert emphasized that further receipt of assistance will depend on the ability of the Verkhovna Rada to adopt the necessary European integration bills.

Currently, according to him, there are about 40 such legislative initiatives in parliament.