Biden and Ukraine PM discuss loans and energy

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden and Ukraine's prime minister have spoken by phone in the wake of a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund aimed at stabilizing and growing the Ukrainian economy.

The White House says in a statement that Biden spoke Friday to Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk. The vice president expressed support for finalizing the IMF arrangement as soon as possible.

The IMF has pledged up to $18 billion in loans to Ukraine with the U.S. and other nations providing support. The loans are linked to economic reforms.

In the call, Biden also discussed Ukraine's energy security and said he welcomed preparations for presidential elections in Ukraine next month.