The Russian stock indices rose after Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement before the Federal Assembly on March 18. As of 15:50 MSK, the MICEX advanced by 2.56% to 1,316 points, and the RTS added 2.47% to 1,142 points. Tuesday morning, both indicators weakened, but they had been rising right after the opening bell. Monday, the stock indices appreciated 3-4%. Vladimir Putin’s speech also helped the rouble growth at Moscow Stock Exchange. By 15:50 MSK, the US dollar changed hands at 36.29 rubles, losing 4 kopeck coins compared with the previous closing level. The euro traded at 50.55 rubles (down 1 kopeck from the last close). Earlier, the greenback had been quoted higher by 30 kopeck, and the single currency had been up 40 kopeck.
On March 18, Russia signed a treaty accepting Crimea’s accession (including Sevastopol), according to an order of Putin on recognizing the Black Sea peninsula as an independent state.
March 17, the Crimean officials announced leaving Ukraine and becoming part of Russia after the referendum held a day before. About 96 percent of Crimean voted to join Russia. Kiev called the referendum illegal; the US and EU rejected the results of the poll and imposed sanctions on Russian officials and politicians. Moscow and Crimea insist the referendum is legitimate.