....4% (ruble depreciation). Euro Exchange Rate: +7%. Chinese Yuan Exchange Rate: +6.8%. Main Causes of Ruble Depreciation Geopolitical Factors The introduction of new US sanctions against Russia in November 2024 dealt a serious blow to the economy. The sanctions affected key sectors and restricted access to international financial markets. Decline in Export Revenues Falling global prices for oil and gas, along with a reduction in their export, diminished the inflow of foreign currency into Russia. Monetary Policy The Central Bank maintains the key interest ...

... Sanctions: The timeline for the U.S. ultimatum given to Russia expires in the second decade of August. Should Washington impose new sanctions on Moscow, heightened volatility in oil and gas prices could occur – especially if the restrictions target the export ... ... their niches and are not causing shocks to the global economy. Ahead lie important months of preparation for winter and ongoing international negotiations. Participants in the fuel and energy market will carefully monitor demand and supply balances to respond ...

... remain key factors in the relationship between the two countries. Lukashenko's victory may lead to: Deepening economic integration, including coordination of tax policy and banking regulation. Discussions about new credit lines for Belarus in light of international sanctions. Potential strengthening of the role of Russian companies in Belarusian sectors, such as energy and industry. Geopolitical Significance For Russia, a stable Belarus plays a strategic role in countering Western influence in the region. Lukashenko's ...

... broader context of BRICS countries' efforts to diminish reliance on the dollar-based financial system. Russia is one of the world's largest gold producers, and in October 2024, the Ministry of Finance announced discussions with BRICS partners to create an international precious metals exchange. The aim of such collaboration is to ensure "fair pricing" for gold and other metals, promote mutual trade growth, and protect these operations from sanction risks. The new St. Petersburg platform is potentially open to participants from BRICS countries interested in trading actual bars outside the control of Western exchanges. This represents another step toward de-dollarization—transitioning to ...

... Restrictions on uranium exports highlight the strategic importance of this resource for Russia and may help strengthen domestic control over the industry and stimulate investment in uranium processing technologies. Raising the status of Rosatom. In response to sanctions, Russia may intensify efforts to create and strengthen ties with new international partners. Rosatom, one of the leaders in the global nuclear industry, may focus on more promising markets and strengthen its role in the global nuclear energy industry. Possible consequences for the global uranium market Rising uranium prices....