KYIV, Dec 21 - Ukraine's new IMF program mitigates near-term financing risks and will support improvements in macroeconomic and financial stability, but program compliance and retaining bond market access will be important in meeting external sovereign funding needs beyond 2019, Fitch Ratings reported.

"Continued IMF engagement should mitigate near-term risks relating to sovereign debt repayments and next year's elections," Fitch said.