MOSCOW (AP) — The Ukrainian government said Thursday it has reached a deal with its international bondholders to lighten its public debt burden, a crucial move that will help the country avoid default as it tries to cope with the devastating costs of war. Earlier this month, the IMF gave Ukraine a passing grade on its efforts to reform its economy and political system but it has insisted on the need to agree on the debt relief with private sector bondholders. The government hailed the debt relief agreement as a "critical step toward macroeconomic stability, creating a healthy economy and attracting international investment."