The rouble lost well over 2% on Monday, diving past 79 against the dollar, while stocks plunged to their lowest in over a year after Western fears Russia may invade Ukraine hit new heights as Moscow discussed the fate of two breakaway regions.
After an extraordinary meeting of his Security Council, President Vladimir Putin said he was considering a request by two regions of eastern Ukraine held by Russian-backed separatists to be recognised as independent – a move that could give Moscow a reason to openly send troops.
