Ukrainian markets feel the heat, oil nearing $90pb

Ukraine's financial markets remained under pressure this week as investors appear to have priced in a more serious outcome regarding Russia-Ukraine tensions. A positive reaction to today's talks between the US and Russia has brought some relief but, even if a renewed conflict doesn't materialise, local markets are set to face a difficult few months. Meanwhile, oil prices closed in on $90pb this week and we've revised up our year-end Brent crude forecast to $70pb (from $60pb). This will help support Russia's budget and current account surpluses, but will add 0.2-0.3%-pts to inflation elsewhere in the region and cause current account balances to worsen.