The U.S. dollar and the euro are growing during the afternoon trading on the Moscow Exchange; the ruble, after a moderate growth in the morning, went to decline amid persistent geopolitical and sanctions risks.

The U.S. dollar exchange rate amounted to 79.4050 rubles at 12:47 Moscow time, which is 60.50 kopecks above the closing level of the previous trading. The euro by that moment cost 90.0950 rubles, having risen by 60.50 kopecks.

According to the experts of Interfax-CEA, the formation of a downward trend in the ruble exchange rate during trading on February 23 is primarily due to the geopolitical and sanctions risks remaining in relation to Russia after the recognition of the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR). In addition, alarming news about more and more shelling in Donbass and reports about the call-up of reservists in Ukraine continue to be received, which only increases tensions and increases the likelihood of the confrontation moving into a more “hot phase”.

As a consequence, the threat of new sanctions against Russia is growing – both the EU and the US, as well as other countries, announcing new sanctions restrictions on Tuesday-Wednesday, warned that pressure on Russia could be intensified in case of further aggravation of the situation