Russia’s stock market has surged on March 4 amid reports that President Donald Trump‘s administration is working on a plan to ease current U.S. sanctions on Russia, according to TradingEconomics.com.
Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The possibility of easing sanctions on Russia follows Trump’s shifting of historic U.S.-Russia relations in talks to end the war between Moscow and Kyiv.
The lifting of some U.S. sanctions would likely significantly improve Russia’s current economic circumstances, as Western sanctions have increased since 2022 and targeted one of Moscow’s most-profitable industries, the energy sector.
Russia has also been facing increasing economic issues related to military spending, inflation, and labor shortages.
What To Know
Russia’s stock market has seen an increase in the last day following reports that the Trump administration could ease U.S. sanctions on Russian entities and individuals in an effort to restore ties with Moscow and achieve an end to the war with Ukraine.
The Moscow Exchange (MOEX) increased by more than 3 percent from approximately 3,143.12 points to 3,234.94 in the last day.
Prior to this, the MOEX had been steadily climbing from the end of December 2024, where it had hit a low. In the past month alone, the MOEX increased by 10 percent.
Since the beginning of the year, Russia’s stock market is up 11.1 percent, and the RTS Index has risen by 2.84 percent in the last day, according to investing.com.
The Trump administration has reportedly asked the State and Treasury departments to draft a list of sanctions that U.S. officials could discuss easing with Russian counterparts in future talks with Moscow. The outlet also reported that the sanctions offices are also drawing up a proposal to lift those on select individuals or entities.
Although it has not been confirmed when these terms would be discussed, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently said that preparations are underway for Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet.
This is not the first time Russia’s stock market has seen a significant leap following improved diplomatic relations between Moscow and Washington; the MOEX increased by more than 6 percent to 3,210 points following the news of Putin’s phone call with Trump about ending the Russia-Ukraine war in February.
What People Are Saying
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Garry Kasparov, the Vice President of World Liberty Congress, wrote: “Trump making the Russian markets great again. Cutting aid and science funding in the U.S., helping the biggest terror sponsor on Earth recapitalize for its next attack.”
Kyrylo Shevchenko, the former chief of the National Bank of Ukraine, wrote on X: “Despite sanctions and frozen assets, international investors are snapping up Russian stocks and currency after US-Russia talks,@business reports. Markets in Hong Kong, Vienna, and Budapest are seeing a surge—because geopolitics is just another asset class. Oh, and the ruble? Up 15% since January. Money has no loyalty. #StopRussianAggression.”
What Happens Next
It is unknown at this time what the White House could demand in return for eased sanctions, and how this could affect Russia’s economy.
The post Russian Markets Surge Amid Reports Trump Set To Ease Sanctions appeared first on Newsweek.
