Ukraine conflict: Russia doubles interest rate after rouble slumps

Russia has more than doubled its interest rate to 20% in a bid to halt a slump in the value of its currency.

The Bank of Russia raised the rate from 9.5% after the rouble sank 30% after new Western sanctions. The currency then eased back to about 20% down.

The collapse in value erodes the currency’s buying power and could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians.