Ukraine has shown that even under the strain of war it can preserve economic resilience, advance reforms, and contribute to global security, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said at the World Bank-IMF ministerial roundtable in support of Ukraine during her Washington visit on Thursday.
She said Ukraine’s priorities remain focused on financial, energy, and defense resilience, as the country emerged from what she described as the most difficult winter in the past 35 years under constant Russian attacks.
Svyrydenko said defense spending in 2025 amounted to more than 40% of GDP and 70% of the state budget, calling it a contribution not only to Ukraine’s security but also to Europe’s defense. She also told partners that reforms remain a priority for the president, government, and parliament, and said Ukrainian lawmakers last week adopted decisions needed to support commitments under the Ukraine Facility, the IMF program, and the EU accession process.
On Wednesday, Svyrydenko met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He underscored President Donald Trump’s push for a lasting peace in Ukraine, backed Ukraine’s new IMF program, and praised progress on reforms. The Treasury secretary also commended momentum behind the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, including the milestone approval of its first investment in March.
Svyrydenko’s Washington trip also included the opening of the US-Ukraine Partnership Forum on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, where she met executives from leading American companies to discuss Ukraine’s economy, investment opportunities, and the reconstruction fund. She said the fund is already operational, with its first investment approved and more than 200 additional applications under review.
Svyrydenko also briefed business leaders on Ukraine’s Regional Resilience plans, including energy protection, distributed generation, backup power for heating and water systems, and the decentralization of heat supply.
The government team also met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. Svyrydenko said Ukraine is set to receive a new €2.7 billion ($3.2 billion) package under the Ukraine Facility program, which she said was made possible by the joint work of the government and parliament.