KIEV, July 16 - Ukraine and an ad hoc committee of creditors have made progress during direct negotiations in Washington on July 15, the two parties said in a joint statement.

"Further progress was made at the meeting on a number of substantive issues and the parties have agreed to focus their attention on narrowing the gaps," the statement says.

"Additional meetings between the two sides have been scheduled next week, with the common aim of finalizing the terms of Ukraine's debt operation as soon as possible," it says.