Russia’s National Wealth Fund (NWF) will cease foreign currency sales by 2026, a move aimed at reducing its dependence on the US dollar and bolstering economic self-sufficiency. The Kremlin sees this as an essential step to safeguard the country’s financial independence amid persistent Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict. The NWF has accumulated revenue from oil and gas exports for decades, which is typically converted into foreign currency before being utilized in various sectors or invested. However, this new policy signals a shift towards greater self-reliance. Financial analysts emphasize that this move signifies a strategic recalibration of Russia’s financial strategy and may have significant implications for global markets.