Russia’s gold reserves have reached an unprecedented $217.4 billion as of March 1, 2025, now accounting for 34.4% of the country’s total foreign exchange reserves. This significant increase has elevated Russia to the fifth-largest holder of gold globally, surpassing China.
The Central Bank of Russia has been actively increasing its gold holdings, a strategy that intensified following geopolitical tensions in 2014. This approach aims to diversify the nation’s reserves and reduce reliance on foreign currencies, particularly amid ongoing economic sanctions.
As of March 1, 2025, Russia’s total international reserves stood at $632.355 billion, reflecting a 1.87% increase from the previous month. The substantial share of gold within these reserves underscores its growing importance in Russia’s financial strategy.
This development aligns with a global trend where central banks are augmenting gold reserves to bolster economic stability. Gold’s enduring value makes it a preferred asset for countries seeking to strengthen their financial positions amidst global economic fluctuations.
