Russia's rush for gold sees record reserves for Putin era

Russia's President Vladimir Putin Photo: REUTERS/Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool/File Photo

Yuliya Fedorinova

Vladimir Putin is doing his part to keep the upswing in gold alive.

Since the Russian president went on a geopolitical offensive in Ukraine in 2014, the haven asset had its first annual gain in four years in 2016 and is on track for another in 2017.