IMF Approves $500 Million Ukraine Payment as Peace Talks Stall

Rescuers outside a house destroyed by a Russian attack in Markhalivka village, Ukraine, on May 25.

Photographer: Ukrinform/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The International Monetary Fund reached a deal with Ukraine to disburse the next portion of a $15.5 billion loan package for the war-battered nation.

The IMF’s staff approved a fresh tranche of about $500 million after wrapping up a review during a visit to Kyiv this week, the Washington-based lender said in a statement Thursday. The agreement must be approved by the institution’s board, which is often just a formality.