The ruble’s fluctuations are a normal part of the economy, independent of sanctions or the shutdown of some enterprises, according to a briefing by the Kremlin’s press secretary. The right to this view was asserted by Dmitry Peskov during a recent press briefing.
He explained that currency movements, including the ruble, reflect typical market dynamics. At times a currency may lose value, at other moments it can strengthen. This variability, he noted, is a standard economic process seen across many currencies and markets.
Peskov also addressed claims that Western sanctions are the sole driver of Russia’s economic course. He said the exit conditions for Western companies are controlled by a government commission, and that there will be no unrestricted exit for firms from unfriendly nations. The emphasis was on regulatory procedures and policy decisions rather than any presumed free market exit.
In addition, Western media reports that foreign firms leaving Russia would need to settle asset sales in rubles were dismissed by the press secretary. He stated that those reports are not connected to the current exchange-rate volatility.
Earlier, a market analyst named Antonov suggested that the ruble could reverse its recent trend and resume growth. The analyst’s view reflected a forward-looking outlook on the currency’s trajectory, noting shifts that could support a stronger ruble in the near term.
There were also remarks about the dollar’s value recently slipping, with references to a low point near 92 rubles for the first time since August. These shifts in exchange rates were framed as part of ongoing market movements rather than a single drivers’ failure or success.
Overall, the briefing underscored a view of currency volatility as a conventional phenomenon, while placing emphasis on government oversight of business movements and the regulatory environment for foreign companies operating within Russia. The commentary was framed as a balance between market forces and policy measures, reflecting how currency trends interact with the broader economic and political context.