Gold has become a strategic resource for Russia since the Ukraine invasion, used to obtain hard currency and goods from countries like China, Turkey, and Iran. As of late 2023, Russia holds over two thousand tonnes of gold, ranking fifth globally. Western sanctions have disrupted Russia's gold trade and production, increasing reliance on China for mining supplies. Gold plays a key role in supporting Russia's wartime economy and influencing gold production in Central Asia and Africa. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)