Russian ruble in the Eastern regions of Ukraine restricts Ukrainian hryvnia, and This significantly weakens the ability of Kiev to affect Eastern regions of the country, writes. in Donetsk and the surrounding area stores and gas stations accept payment in rubles. The reason, most importantly, is that food and fuel DNR and LNR are purchasing the majority in Russia and to make payments to suppliers, retailers need the RUB. This was confirmed by the publication of the journalist for the Austrian broadcasting company ORF Christian Versatz (Christian Werhsch