Russia proposes Ukraine debt restructuring

In a surprise announcement on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Turkey on 16 November 2015, Russian president Vladimir Putin said his country was willing to restructure the $3 billion (€2.8 billion) debt owed by Ukraine.

Mr Putin stated that rather than seeking full debt repayment this year, Russia would consider receiving installments of $1 billion a year between 2016 and 2018.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) welcomed Russia's move, calling it 'a positive step'. The debt restructuring dispute had been hampering the IMF's $17.5-billion rescue plan for Ukraine which restricted Kyiv's ability to renegotiate billions of dollars in debt.

ESO: Background information: Ukraine tells creditors next week is last chance for debt deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-tells-creditors-next-week-is-last-chance-for-debt-deal/

EurActiv, 17.11.15: IMF says Russian U-turn on Ukraine debt is positive step http://www.euractiv.com/sections/europes-east/imf-says-russian-u-turn-ukraine-debt-positive-step-319540

Sputnik International, 17.11.15: A Presidential Pardon: Putin Offers to Restructure Debt Owed by Ukraine http://sptnkne.ws/aeqx

The Wall Street Journal, 16.11.15: Russia Makes Proposal for Ukraine Debt, Easing Standoff http://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-makes-proposal-for-ukraine-debt-easing-standoff-1447688574

TASS, 16.11.15: Russia agrees to restructure Ukraine's debt — Putin http://tass.ru/en/economy/836898

Sputnik International, 16.11.15: Russia Holding Talks with IMF on Ukraine's $3-Billion Loan - Minister http://sptnkne.ws/adYe

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