firn---the EU is estimating the cost of this last round to be in the 100B range over two years thus 20% of their foreign currency reserves---the problem is that they can use those funds to support internally their economy---but to get to them they must cross through the NYC money exchanges centers and or thru the EU currency center which is now sanctioned and virtually any other exchange center will deny them as well as they do not want to get tangled up in the US long reach that they have in fines for those not holding to the financial sanctions ie the French and German banks right now with their fines.

Add the Yukos decision of 50B which they must pay if they want further foreign investment to come in and feel their investments are protected--that's another 10% from the foreign currency they hold.

Not a good week for the Russian Central Bank.