President Vladimir Putin is holding his end-of-year news conference Thursday amid a growing economic crisis in Russia.
It is expected to be dominated by debate over the ruble, with Russia’s national currency struggling to cope with falling oil prices and sanctions.
The Kremlin leader is also expected to take questions on Ukraine and on Russia’s relations with the West.
The ruble strengthened on Thursday morning ahead of Putin’s speech. It hit an all-time low on Tuesday, prompting Russia’s central bank to reassure banks and financial companies that it would provide additional capital if necessary. At one point the currency plunged to 80 rubles …read more
Source: Voice of America
