“The strong ruble played its role.

Now we see that in conditions when our companies’ incomes are falling, they are sinking ... and this affects investments, and in these conditions, of course, it would be good for us to have a ruble of 70-80 rubles per dollar,” Belousov said in an interview with the TV channel “ Russia 24".

His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.

Earlier, he said that the dollar exchange rate of 70-80 rubles would compensate for the fall in Russia's export earnings.

Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Alexei Zabotkin said that the current weakening of the ruble is associated with a decrease in oil prices.