VTB Capital has been named as an organiser for Russia's next Eurobond this year, the country's finance ministry said on Tuesday, suggesting that its placement could yet happen within a previously indicated May-June window. The investment banking arm of VTB, was sole arranger of both Eurobonds sold by Russia last year, raising $3 billion despite doubts voiced about the bonds' prospects given Western sanctions imposed against Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

Konstantin Vyshkovsky, head of the ministry's state debt department, told Reuters that one of VTB Capital, Gazprombank and Sberbank will be appointed for further bond issues expected later in the year. Russia has indicated that the first placement this year could be in May or June. "It was the estimated timeline," Vyshkovsky said on Tuesday, adding that the placement will happen when the market situation provides a "window of opportunity".

Copyright Reuters, 2017