Putin demands 'unfriendly countries' pay for Russian gas in rubles
President Vladimir Putin issued a new directive as he attempts to leverage Russia's in-demand fuel to counter a barrage of Western sanctions.
ruble
In Russia, The Oil Price Drop Hits Putin's Base Hard
Retirees and those aspiring to join the middle class are struggling to make ends meet as the value of the ruble has fallen along with world oil prices. But Putin's government is doing little to help.
Russia Marks Crimea Annexation With A Banknote Rapidly Losing Value
The 100-ruble note is worth about half of what it was worth in February 2014, just before Russia seized the Black Sea peninsula. The ruble could depreciate even more in the coming year.
A Greek City Nervously Watches Its Fur Trade Falter
Kastoria survived Greece's economic crisis primarily because of high Russian demand for the fur coats it produces. Then the Russian economy tanked. Now Kastoria is in trouble.
Putin: Sanctions, Falling Oil Prices Causing Ruble's Tumble
In a year-end news conference, the Russian president said the worst-case scenario for his country's economy would involve two more years of unease.
Russia Boosts Interest Rates To 17 Percent Amid Currency's Slide
The move to raise rates from 10.5 percent is aimed at limiting the ruble's slide and curbing inflation. Sanctions and low oil prices have made it the world's worst-performing major currency this year.