The Russian currency is trading at about 130 rubles to the dollar, far weaker than the Government's goal of 80 to the dollar.

This drastic drop in the value of the Russian currency affects every corner of life.

Russian currency was, after all, essentially valueless.

Last spring, the West offered $24 billion in loans to help stabilize the Russian currency and ease its transition.

These were related to the Russian currency at a rate of 10 dinar to the kopeck.

Some critics complained that the remark only encouraged traders to dump the Russian currency.

There is also a $35 visa fee, and each participant is required to buy at least $100 in Russian currency.

The Central Bank bought up rubles to stabilize the Russian currency.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tajikstan has become an independent republic, but it still uses the Russian currency, the ruble.

Tatneft failed to meet loan payments in 1998 after the Russian currency was devalued, driving up the price of its foreign debt, then about $700 million.