World Bank, IMF chiefs to meet Ukraine prime minister, finance minister to discuss funding

The chiefs of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund will meet with Ukraine’s prime minister and finance minister to discuss more funding on Thursday.

“We’re going to have an important meeting on Thursday, where we’ll talk with Ukraine’s prime minister and the finance minister. Some of the countries that are supporting Ukraine will be there, and we hope to both be providing assistance as they try to survive the battles,” World Bank President David Malpass stated during a panel discussion with IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva, who will also be present at Thursday’s meeting.

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He cited medical staff as an example of support and stated that the gathering will look into how Ukraine’s rebuilding phase can be done “most effectively.”

Georgieva of the IMF said she spoke with President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend about “reconstructing” Ukraine, but also about keeping the economy running while the fighting was still going on.

She stated that there was a “duty” to support Ukraine in the coming months and that doing so would necessitate more financial assistance than had previously been provided.

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“We have provided $1.4bn in emergency financing, but more would be necessary, and it would be a great investment over the next couple of months to keep the economy functioning and prevent inflation shooting up,” she added.

Earlier on Tuesday, US Vice President Joe Biden stated that he intends to send more artillery to the war-torn Ukraine.

After landing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, media on the runway asked Biden if he planned to send more artillery to Ukraine. According to the reporters, Biden was positive and simply said “yes” before proceeding to his motorcade.

Also read: Ukraine President Zelensky claims Russia blocking evacuations in Mariupol

Shipments from the United States’ security assistance package “have begun arriving” in Ukraine in recent days. According to CNN, the shipment contains 300 Switchblade drones, 18 155mm Howitzer artillery, 11 Mi-17 helicopters, and heavier-duty weaponry.

The protective equipment is intended to protect Ukrainian military against chemical assaults.