Ukraine Avoids a Default, For Now

Ukraine's ailing financial sector will likely get some much-needed relief this week in the form of $1.7 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — part of the $17.5 billion loan that the IMF approved for the conflict-ridden, heavily indebted country back in March. In the meantime, there are positive signals coming out of debt talks with a group of Ukraine's international creditors, which could lead to a compromise restructuring agreement before the end of the week. These developments will help Ukraine avoid default and stay financially afloat in the short term, but looming debt payments to Russia, among other issues, will still pose a challenge for Kiev.