Russia Takes Firm Stance, Refuses Easy Exit for Foreign Banks
Russia's deputy finance minister has stated that foreign banks will not be allowed to easily exit the Russian market unless they unfreeze Russian assets. This comes as Russia imposes increasing costs and punitive measures on companies trying to leave the market. Western nations and their allies have frozen over $300 billion in Russian central bank assets abroad as part of sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. China's Big Four banks have significantly increased their lending to Russia during this period.