KIEV, March 26 - The International Monetary Fund concluded talks with Ukrainian officials on Wednesday, and was likely to announce an aid deal on Thursday for Kiev to help plug the government's budget gap and put its economy on a growth track, Reuters reported.

"The talks have ended," a source close to the negotiations said. The central bank late on Wednesday announced a press conference with the IMF's mission chief for Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

A bailout from the IMF would help prop up Ukraine's economy and clear the way for several billion dollars in aid from the United States, European Union, Japan and other nations. Ukraine has been in turmoil after months of anti-government protests and Russia's annexation of its Crimea region.