The ruble, which strengthened by 31%, became the most expensive currency against the dollar in 2025

The Russian ruble, which has strengthened by 31% compared to 2024, has become the most valuable currency against the dollar over the past year. This was confirmed on January 2 by calculations made by RIA Novosti based on open exchange data.

Thus, the ruble outperformed the Swedish krona, which has gained 19.9% in this rating over the past year, as well as the Hungarian forint, which is in third place, which has risen in price by 19.4%. The five most expensive currencies were the Colombian peso (18.9%) and the Czech krona (17.2%).

According to the agency's analysis, the Argentine peso fell the most in 2025, losing 29.2% in value, the Turkish lira, losing 18.3%, and the Libyan dinar— 9.2%. In addition, the exchange rates of the Sri Lankan, Indian and Nepalese rupees decreased against the dollar by 5.5% and 5%, respectively.

To spite everyone: why the ruble continues to strengthen

The difficult economic situation is not a hindrance

Olga Gorbunova, Associate Professor of the Department of International Business at the Financial University, said on the same day that the dollar exchange rate in 2026 could range from 75 to 100 rubles. Its cost will depend on three options: negative and positive. The expert clarified that in the first case, with the tightening of anti—Russian sanctions, it may exceed the mark of 100 rubles, in the second case, with the improvement of the geopolitical situation, it will be possible to talk about the strengthening of the ruble, which will occur due to the restoration of exports and capital inflows from foreign countries.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.