IMF approved the $17bn tranched loan to Ukraine last night, [3] Gazprom gets paid; Ukraine gets its cash; and the door's wide open for the US and EU to pour more 'controlling influence' into the divided nation... Except there's one thing:
- IF UKRAINE GOVERNMENT LOSES EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER EAST OF COUNTRY, $17 BLN IMF BAILOUT WOULD NEED TO BE REDESIGNED
Which, roughly translated, appears to mean go to war with pro-Russian forces (and thus Russia itself if Putin sees his apparent countrymen in trouble) or you don't get your money!
Some other items of note include:
- *IMF URGES UKRAINE TO REACH PRICE ACCORD WITH GAZPROM BY SEPT
- *UKRAINE INFLATION MAY JUMP TO 16.2% THIS YEAR, IMF SAYS
- *RUSSIA'S GAS PRICE INCREASE MAY WEAKEN HRYVNIA: IMF STAFF