The Russian ruble drifted lower against the U.S. dollar on Monday, as oil prices continued free fall, and as European Union said it would extend sanctions against Russia, when it term expires on January 31, 2016.

Crude oil futures dropped for the seventh straight session, as output in the Middle East continued to rise and the International Energy Agency warned that the global supply glut would continue into the New Year.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini indicated that the bloc is set to extend sanctions against Russia, as the Minsk accords are not implemented till now.

The ruble fell to near a 4-month low of 71.315 against the greenback, compared to Friday's closing value of 69.5769. The next possible downside for the ruble is seen around the 74.00 zone.

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