IMF expects growth of Ukraine's export-driven economy to slow to 2.5 percent next year from 6.4 percent this year. (Reuters) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said on Oct. 22 she expected the International Monetary Fund to decide on a loan for the country later in the day and warned that stagnation threatened the economy.

Ukrainian officials say the former Soviet republic could receive a credit worth up to $14 billion.

IMF credits for member states are generally extended only after a meeting of the Fund's Board in Washington.

"The IMF is meeting today ... to adopt all the necessary decisions. We are hoping very much that they will be positive," Tymoshenko told a government meeting. It was unclear whether she was referring to the board, which sits in Washington.

"We need to understand that revenues from taxes, which are vital for the budget, will be seriously weaker because today stagnation has started all around the world and it will affect Ukraine," she said.

Ukraine asked the IMF for a credit amid concerns about whether the government, companies and banks will be able refinance their debt as global lending slows. Credit rating agencies have cut their ratings or outlooks on Ukraine.

The IMF expects growth in the country's export-driven economy to slow to 2.5 percent next year from 6.4 percent this year.