The conditions announced by the IMF include the reduction of the budget deficit, holding inflation in check, the liberalisation of the gas market and currency exchange. On Monday President Yushchenko said he had reached agreement with Prime Minister Timoshenko on budget amendments after months of dispute.

In order to receive IMF money, the government will have to cut public spending and social benefits and raise taxes. In particular, it may stop subsidising utility payments and raise gas prices for end consumers to the European level.

Another painful measure is the planned pension reform, which will gradually raise the age at which people receive a state pension by several years.

Critics of the deal say it will take a heavy toll on the Ukrainian population, which is already suffering from job losses, unpaid salaries and a dramatic devaluation in the national currency.

The opposition Party of Regions, which has the strongest representation in the parliament, earlier refused to sign the letter.

On Tuesday in a bid to save budget money Ukraine halved the salaries of many public servants, including that of the president.