France is ready to help Ukraine cover the planned deficit of the national budget, the Cabinet of Ministers' press service reported.

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko says France is ready to provide financial aid to Ukraine after the program on its cooperation with the International Monetary Fund is signed.

In Tymoshenko's words, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso sent a letter confirming that all the key member-countries of the European Union are ready for cooperation with Ukraine after the program is signed.

The prime minister is sure that foreign loans will make it possible to fill the stabilization fund of the national budget.

She predicts that Ukraine will be able to extend about UAH 20 billion for the real sector of the national economy.

As Ukrainian News reported, Tymoshenko hopes Ukraine will get the second tranche of the International Monetary Fund loan in March or April.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Hryhorii Nemyria says further cooperation with the International Monetary Fund within the framework of the stand-by program is the key prerequisite for successful completion of talks with other countries on financial aid to Ukraine.