Moscow, Jan 25 (IANS): Russian shares slumped nearly 6 per cent as tensions regarding Ukraine between Russia and western countries have flared up.
The ruble-denominated MOEX Russia Index dipped 5.93 percent to 3,235.28 points, while the US dollar-denominated RTS Index dropped 8.11 per cent to 1,288.17 points, trading data on Monday showed.
Earlier on Monday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said its allies "are putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to NATO deployments in Eastern Europe" to deter Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Russia is conducting large-scale drills in the Baltic Sea involving 20 warships and supporting vessels.