The Graphic Truth: Ukraine war hits ruble hard

Ukraine war hits ruble hard

Russia’s currency nosedived on Monday, losing as much as 30% of its value against the US dollar after fresh allied sanctions targeted Russia’s central bank and key lenders. The ruble has suffered double-digit losses in a single day only twice before. Once during the 1998 Russian financial crisis, and again in late 2014 as a result of collapsing oil prices and Western sanctions over Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Here’s a look at how the ruble has fared over the past quarter-century.

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Tensions in the Middle East escalate as Israel launches a surprise military strike against Iran, prompting international concern and speculation about broader conflict. In his latest Quick Take, Ian Bremmer calls Israel’s strike on Iran “a huge success for the Israelis” and a significant blow to Iran’s regional influence.

Iranian policemen monitor an area near a residential complex that is damaged in Israeli attacks in Tehran, Iran, on June 13, 2025.
Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto

Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities Thursday night, causing “significant damage” at the country’s main enrichment plant, killing leading Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists, and sparking fears that the Middle East is on the verge of a wider war.

A tank on display at a park in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2025, two days ahead of a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

Kyodo via Reuters Connect

The official reason for this weekend’s military parade in Washington DC is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army – but the occasion also just happens to fall on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.