Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, while opening a government meeting on Wednesday, said that the conditions of lending from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were rather difficult, but financial support would help Ukraine withstand the negative impact of global phenomena in the economy.

Azarovsaid that in negotiations with the IMF, its government had defended its vision of a way out of crisis, as well as measures on the social protection of the population, "but the creditor's position is always stronger than that of a weak country that needs support."

The prime minister also noted that the commitments assumed by Ukraine in its cooperation with the IMF were rather difficult, but, in his opinion, they represented the country's own vision of its development. Azarov said that it was in Ukraine's interests to reduce the budget deficit to 5% in 2010 and to 3.5% in 2011 so as not to live in debt.

Azarovsaid that the Cabinet of Ministers would increase the amount of subsidies for citizens required for the payment of public utility services due to a rise in natural gas prices for the population.