Russian Stocks Open Lower on Geopolitical Risk as US Envoys Visit Moscow, Kyiv

Russian equities opened Monday with a moderate decline in the IMOEX2 index, reflecting persistent geopolitical risk. Market participants are weighing the outcomes of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's visits to Moscow and Kyiv, which have not yet produced a clear resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The decline signals continued investor caution amid uncertainty over diplomatic progress.