Ukraine braces for talks with private creditors

Обзор облигаций 30.06.2015 Ukraine's deputy finance minister Vitaliy Lisovenko is meeting with the creditors' committee at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC this week. Following numerous press releases from both sides over the past week in preparation for the talks, Ukraine's finance minister confirmed the government's readiness to enact a moratorium on debt payments as an attempt to get required concessions from the creditors. The creditors remain unwayed, convinced that Ukraine faces a liquidity crisis rather than a solvency crisis. Hence, thus providing no need for a nominal reduction. While Ukraine is reported to be requesting a 40% haircut, we believe that a 25% reduction is sufficient to achieve the IMF's three targets. With several weeks before the next payment is due, this could be enough time to negotiate a settlement before resorting to a moratorium.