The Russian currency has dropped to 74.58 per dollar, the weakest ever on a closing basis.

• January 6, 2016

Kyiv says it will approve a ban on the import of some Russian goods in response to similar actions by Moscow.

• December 30, 2015

Taiwan's opposition leader and presidential frontrunner on Sunday called on China to respect the island's democratic process and said she believes Beijing will have a "rational attitude" when dealing with her independence-leaning party.

• December 27, 2015

Ukraine's parliament has approved a bill that allows the government to impose a trade embargo against Russia, a week after Russia announced a food embargo against Ukraine.

• December 24, 2015

The European Union failed to allay Russia's concerns about Ukraine's free-trade accord with the 28-nation bloc on Monday, leaving Kiev to face Russian retaliation through tighter bilateral trade rules from 2016.

• December 21, 2015

Swiss commodities trader Trafigura is expanding its ties with Russia's Rosneft (ROSN.MM) and is set to become the biggest buyer from the sanctions-hit Kremlin oil major when it adds refined products to its already huge purchases of crude oil.

• December 21, 2015

India's prime minister is expected to promote deals for Russian nuclear reactors and military helicopters worth billions of dollars on a trip to Moscow next week, attracted by promises to transfer technology that Western nations have been slow to make.

• December 18, 2015

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered his government to suspend Russia's free trade zone with Ukraine from Jan. 1, making good on Moscow's threats to Kiev which seeks closer ties with the European Union.

• December 16, 2015