Rouble slips on Ukraine crisis
THE rouble sank to a five-year low yesterday as investors reacted nervously to Russia’s government flexing its muscles over Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin ordered military drills near the border to Ukraine, where protests have sparked widespread violence. US secretary of state John Kerry said Washington was considering $1bn in loan guarantees for Ukraine. The greenback was worth over 36 roubles last night – its highest since 2009 – up from 35.5 earlier this week.