(Reuters] – On Friday, the Russian rouble hit a record five-week-high in Moscow before settling near 83 dollars. Russian stocks are also higher as investors focus on developments in Ukraine and ongoing gas payment sagas.

At 0741 GMT the rouble was 0.1% less than the dollar at USD 83.25. The currency had earlier fallen below 80.3325 which is its lowest mark since Feb. 23, 2003. The rouble had traded at 92.29 against the euro, having gained 0.2%.

Interbank market: The rouble had been as strong as 75 against a dollar in early this week. It was close to 82 by Wednesday. On the EBS electronic platform, the rouble stood at 83 against the dollar.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Thursday that he would stop supplying Europe with one third of his gas supply unless the payments are made in Russian currency. Germany is Europe’s largest gas recipient and this ultimatum has been called “blackmail”.

European purchasers of Russian gas had to pay in Russian roubles by Friday. Moscow offered buyers a way to get roubles through a Russian bank.

The rouble’s recent dynamics are in some ways artificial. Capital controls are now in place to control the currency. This includes a ban on cash dollar and euro purchases, as well as other administrative measures.

Russia’s central banking said that it would ease restrictions on individuals sending money abroad for six months. It will allow limited monthly foreign currency transfers. This may help to alleviate the pressure on Russians who send large amounts of money overseas.

According to the bank’s statement, people who have supported Moscow sanctions will not be affected by these measures.

Promsvyazbank analysts wrote in a note that “this step seems like it’s a signal to us that, if the ruble strengthens further,”

Russian stockindices are at an all-time high since the time before Russia sent thousands of troops to Ukraine’s neighbor on February 24.

Dollar-denominated RTS Index was 4.1% higher at 1,063.2 Points. 2.813.6 was the higher MOEX Russian, which is calculated in roubles. The indexes reached their highest level since February 22nd.

Gazprom’s shares (MCX:) rose by 5.7%