IMF indefinitely postpones consultations with Russia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has indefinitely postponed its planned consultations with Russia, citing “technical” reasons, according to Tass.

The decision comes amid criticism from European Union states opposed to the resumption of cooperation with Moscow following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The IMF had scheduled online talks as part of an Article IV review, with a visit to Moscow to follow, marking the first IMF mission to Russia since 2019.

Several EU nations expressed concerns that the discussions could be seen as legitimising Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions, warning that Moscow might use the engagement as propaganda to suggest easing international isolation.