Ukraine plans to place ruble bonds; in talks with Russian banks - source
MOSCOW. March 18 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian government plans to place ruble-denominated bonds and is currently in talks with major Russian banks, including VEB Capital, a source in banking circles told Interfax.
"The talks are in the concluding stage," the source said.
Ukreximbank is also examining the possibility and is in talks on placement of ruble bonds, he said.
Russian banks with a major presence in Ukraine include Sberbank Russia , VTB , Alfa Bank and Vnesheconombank (VEB).
Two or three Russian banks might be selected for the placement, the source said.
"I don't rule out the possibility that it will be a joint project, not just one, maybe two or even three organizations," he said.
The source did not specify the size or dates for the ruble bond issue.
Belarus placed a first series of two-year ruble bonds totaling 7 billion rubles in February with the rate of the first coupon set at 8.7%.
Sberbank, Alfa Bank and Gazprombank organized that issue.
RTS$#&: ALFB, SBER, VTBR
