Crimea may adopt the Russian rubles alongside the Ukrainian currency after being integrated into the Russian Federation, Interfax reports on March 10 citing Crimea’s Supreme Council chairman Vladimir Konstantinov.
The senior official believes that circulation of both currencies is a necessary intermediary step as people have many hryvnias. “Our aim is to avoid any problems,” – he explained.
He also said that switch to rubles may take up to 6 months, meanwhile, the salaries will be paid in rubles. Prices in the stores will be expressed in the Russian currency as well.
According to RIA Novosti, Konstantinov does not rule out the opportunity of leaving Sevastopol its special status after becoming part of Russia. He underscored that the recent survey showed 80% of people living in Crimea votes for joining Russia. Konstantinov also noted that Crimea does not need to get an approval from current Ukrainian authorities.
Crimea is not going to implement re-privatization. Prime Minister of Crimea Sergey Aksenov assured that business will do as normal should the peninsula join the Russian Federation. He also hopes for some preferences, including creation of free trade area for Crimea.