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No. It is just exit to relatively less regulated (due to external sanctions) asset. There are also some changes were brought since 2014 for easing gold purchases for people, I can't remember exactly what. But this is for sure that there is shortage of dollars and reduced foreign exchange offices are at play.
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But why would they change the than safe Ruble? Gold only has one real function: it's THE indicator of a loss of confidence in the stability of political systems
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Ruble is not safe, that's common knowledge among Russians. Well, may be only those who less damaged by propaganda. Even if one is very pro-Putin supporter, there is some place for foreign currency in savings since multiple generations of Russian know really bad record of busting local banks.
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