(VOVworld) – Russia says it'll adopt a tough stance if Ukraine fails to pay off debts owed to Moscow by its previous government. In an interview broadcast by Russian TV on Saturday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Moscow could oppose new IMF loans to Ukraine if the latter defaults on its debt.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev

Ukraine's parliament voted this week to allow a moratorium on foreign debt repayments if necessary - sparking a strong reaction from Russia, which is waiting for Kiev to repay a $3 billion loan by the end of the year.
Moscow issued the funds in late 2013, a few months before mass protests led to the ousting of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Medvedev said any steps by Kiev's current leaders to freeze payments to Moscow would undoubtedly influence the process of their agreement with the IMF. Ukraine received a first $5 million under the IMF rescue program in March.