Russian rouble edges up vs dollar; potential new US sanctions in focus

The Russian rouble edged up against the U.S. dollar and was flat against China's yuan on Monday, with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff set to visit Russia this week amid the prospect of Washington imposing new sanctions.

The rouble was up 0.1% as of 1420 GMT at 79.92 to the dollar, according to data compiled by LSEG based on over-the-counter quotes. It was flat at 11.06 against the yuan, the most traded foreign currency in Russia.

"The exchange rate may remain at 11.00-11.20 roubles per yuan until the details of the U.S. sanctions are revealed," analysts from the Bank of Saint Petersburg said in a research note.

Trump has said he will impose new sanctions on Moscow and countries that buy its energy exports - the biggest of which are China and India - unless Russia shows progress by August 8 towards a peace settlement in Ukraine.

The rouble is expected to weaken to 100 against the dollar in the next 12 months, a 20% decline from its current level, according to a Reuters poll of 14 analysts last week.