On the day that the new EU sanctions against Russia come into force for the role played by Moscow in the Ukrainian crisis, the ruble hits an all-time low against the dollar and also loses ground against the euro. On the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange this morning the exchange rate reached 37,72 per dollar. The Moscow Stock Exchange was also down, with the Micex index (in rubles) marking -0,18% and the Rts (in dollars) at -0,63%.
The new European sanctions aim to limit the financing of the Russian economy and also include targeted measures against Russian and Ukrainian personalities accused of involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. In particular, the measures contain a list of nine companies for military and civil use and 24 personalities.
The sanctions block the debt financing and investments of three oil companies (Rosneft, Transneft and Gazprom Neft, Gazprom companies) and three of the defense sector (Opk Oboronprom, United Aircraft Corporation and Uralvagonzavod).
The list of 24 Russian and Ukrainian individuals subject to an asset freeze and a ban on travel to the European Union include Sergei Chemezov, described as a close associate of President Vladimir Putin and head of RosTechnologi, a vice-president of Russia, Yuri Vorobiev, and several deputy chairmen of the Duma.
