IMF will soon begin a mission in Ukraine, stressing the need for anti-corruption measures

Julie Kozack, the spokesperson for the International Monetary Fund, said that a staff delegation will be sent to Ukraine to discuss the country's financing needs and to explore a possible new lending program. She also stressed the importance of continuing anti-corruption measures in the war-torn nation.

Yuliia Shvyrydenko, Ukrainian Prime Minister, announced on Thursday an audit of state-owned businesses, including those in the energy industry, after an alleged corruption scandal involving $100 million that led to the suspensions of two cabinet members.

The anti-corruption authorities announced this week that they had arrested five people, and two more are still at large. They were suspected of being involved in a plot to control the procurement at Energoatom (the nuclear agency) and other state enterprises.

Kozack informed reporters in a regular press briefing that IMF staff would focus its mission on policies aimed at safeguarding Ukraine's macroeconomic stabilization and ensuring its debt sustainability. The mission will also be focusing on reforms aimed at increasing domestic revenue and strengthening governance, as well as combating corruption.

Kozack stated that efforts to combat corruption are a requirement for Ukraine’s donors. (Reporting and editing by Lisa Shumaker; Andrea Shalal and David Lawder)

(source: Reuters)