The Russian rouble has strengthened by more than 6% against the euro, reaching a near seven-year high, helped by capital controls, high oil prices, and a month-end tax period approaching.

By 13:38 GMT, the rouble had risen 6.3 percent against the euro to 58.75, its highest level since early June 2015.

It was also 4.6 percent higher against the US dollar, trading at 57.47, not far from 57.0750, its highest level since late March 2018.