United States and Ukraine signed a Declaration of intent on cooperation in providing loan guarantees

The United States of America and Ukraine signed a Declaration of intent to cooperate in providing credit guarantees. This was stated by Minister of Finance of Ukraine Natalia Jaresko following a meeting with Secretary of the US Treasury Jacob J. Lew, taking place on 28 January 2015 in Kiev.

This step shall afford Ukraine to more vigorously implement the pursued reforms and to attract international financing on more favourable for Ukraine conditions as well.

"We are grateful to the U.S. Government for the support of Ukraine, especially in this difficult time for us. We highly appreciate this step of our American partners," said Natalia Jaresko.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew emphasized the incumbent Ukraine’s Government is the most reformist during the entire history of independent Ukraine. “The Government has managed to reach macroeconomic stability. It is crucial for Ukraine to prolong this course,” he announced.

Moreover, J. Lew stressed that the signed Declaration contains that the U.S. is ready to provide Ukraine with $ 1 billion of credit guarantees in the first half of 2015 on condition of introducing reforms. Another billion dollars could be provided, if Ukraine remains on track with reforms in the future. The US Treasury Secretary stressed that in 2014 Ukraine had already obtained $ 1 billion in loan guarantees and $ 340 million of assistance. The US Treasury Secretary also explained that the provided for Ukraine resources would help to solve social issues, in particular related to the protection of the most vulnerable layers of the population.

J. Lew also accentuated the U.S.A. remain firm in their support of Ukraine in the commitment to oppose the Russian aggression and assured in their readiness to intensify pressure on Russia if necessary. He noted that a core issue is abiding by Russia of the Minsk agreements.