For the first time since 2022: Ukraine has begun repaying wartime debts

For the first time since 2022: Ukraine has begun repaying wartime debts

On Monday, June 9, Ukraine is scheduled to make the first payment to repay the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) credit line from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the amount of 171 million dollars. This marks the first instance of repaying external debt incurred after the full-scale invasion in 2022.

This was reported by Forbes. The publication noted that under the 2022 RFI emergency financing program, Ukraine received 2.67 billion dollars in two tranches.

"Repayment begins today and will continue until October 2027. The payments will be made through 16 tranches, evenly distributed over time. Today’s first tranche thus constitutes 6% repayment of the debt," the report clarified.

Experts specified that in total in 2025, Ukraine must pay the IMF 3 billion dollars, of which 2.3 billion dollars is for repayment of the principal debt, while another 0.7 billion dollars is for interest payments.

As of the beginning of 2025, 1.3 billion dollars of the principal debt has already been repaid, along with nearly 0.4 billion dollars in interest payments.

Meanwhile, since the beginning of 2025, Ukraine has received one tranche from the IMF under the EFF credit program amounting to 0.4 billion dollars. Three more tranches are expected by the end of 2025, totaling 2 billion dollars.

Experts call this an important event since it is the first time since 2022 that Ukraine is beginning to repay debts accumulated during the war. This indicates the restoration of Ukraine’s financial obligations and demonstrates readiness for economic stabilization, which is an important part of the recovery path.

It is known that during the war, Ukraine accumulated significant debts due to financial needs to support efforts on the front line, as well as due to reduced revenues. Repaying debts is not only a financial obligation but also a signal of restoring economic stability and investor confidence.

Debt repayment can impact the hryvnia exchange rate and the overall macroeconomic situation in Ukraine. It may also be important for the renewal of investments and lending, which is a key factor for the country’s recovery.