The International Monetary Fund has authorized a loan of $900 million to Ukraine, and President Zelenskyy plans to seek support from lawmakers in Washington.
On Monday, the executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a disbursement of $900 million for Ukraine as a portion of a continuing long-term loan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the IMF for providing assistance to the struggling country.
After meeting with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva in Washington, President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support shown to Ukraine and for acknowledging the accomplishments of our nation and its citizens on his Telegram channel.
Georgieva stated that despite Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s economy has shown strength and durability.
Georgieva stated in a Reuters report that although the recovery is projected to persist, there are considerable risks in the forecast due to the heightened uncertainty caused by war. She also emphasized the importance of consistent and timely external financing on concessional terms.
The International Monetary Fund has requested that Ukraine carry out a “bold” restructuring of its external commercial debt by the first half of 2024 in order to improve debt sustainability.
On December 11, 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the National Defense University in Washington in a photo shared on his Telegram channel.
On Monday, Zelenskyy spoke to U.S. military officers at the National Defense University and received a round of applause. This was the beginning of his visit to Washington, where he hopes to convince Congress to continue providing military aid to Ukraine before the current funding ends.
During his address, Zelenskyy stressed the significance of defeating Russia in Ukraine, stating that if Moscow emerged victorious, Russian President Vladimir Putin would not cease there.
“He is currently utilizing propaganda and disinformation as his weapon against you, but if given the opportunity, he will take further action,” he stated. “Currently, he is transitioning Russia’s economy and society towards what he refers to as ‘war tracks’.”
The president of Ukraine stated that currently, Ukrainian forces have regained 50% of the territory that was previously lost to Russia. He praised the determination and bravery of Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield.
At present, amidst intense fighting, our troops are maintaining their positions on the front line and making preparations for future actions. We have not allowed Russia to achieve any victories this year,” stated Zelenskyy.
During his speech at the National Defense University, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the unwavering support for Ukraine and issued a warning, stating, “Failing to confront the Kremlin’s aggression now and failing to deter potential aggressors will only lead to further acts of aggression, violence, and chaos.”
“Despite his offenses and seclusion, Putin remains confident in his ability to outlast Ukraine and America. However, he is mistaken.”
Zelenskyy is scheduled to go to Capitol Hill on Tuesday and have a meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House.
Biden has requested that Congress approve a $110 billion budget for wartime expenses, with a significant portion going towards aiding Ukraine and Israel. Other crucial national security initiatives are also included in the funding. Ukraine’s share of the budget would amount to more than $61 billion.
However, Republican members of the U.S. Senate have expressed reluctance towards the bill, arguing that significant changes to U.S. border security are necessary.
Several members of the Republican party are demanding that undocumented immigrants be immediately deported without the opportunity to apply for asylum in the United States. They have also proposed reducing the scope of programs implemented by the Biden administration, which have enabled hundreds of thousands of individuals to legally enter the country.
The United States has allocated $111 billion to aid Ukraine in their efforts to combat Russia’s invasion.
On December 11, 2023, President Vladimir Putin attended a flag-raising ceremony at the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, where Russian sailors were standing on the deck of the newly constructed nuclear submarine, Emperor Alexander III. A second submarine was also present at the ceremony.
Russian submarines
On Monday, Putin appeared on TV to observe two nuclear submarines, the Krasnoyarsk and Emperor Alexander III, at the Sevmash shipbuilding facility in the Arctic port of Severodvinsk.
The Borei (Arctic Wind) class of nuclear submarines, including the Emperor Alexander III, is Russia’s latest generation of submarines, marking their first new launch since the Cold War.
In the previous month, the Defense Ministry announced that the ship had effectively conducted a trial of a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
According to security experts, nuclear weapons have become a more significant factor in Putin’s thoughts and language since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. This is because his traditional forces are currently engaged in a prolonged and indecisive war.
This report includes contributions from Carla Babb of VOA, as well as information obtained from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
Source: voanews.com
