OREANDA-NEWS. The foreign debt of the Russian Federation for the first half of this year increased by $ 27.7 billion, or 6.1%, and totaled $ 482.4 billion as of July 1, the Bank of Russia said.

 According to the regulator, a significant role was played by the acquisition by non-residents of sovereign securities and the increase in debt on accrued but unpaid dividends.  The latter circumstance is seasonal.

 The external debt of state bodies increased in the 2nd quarter by $ 11,012 billion, or 20.6% - up to $ 64.341 billion.

 Including liabilities to non-residents on foreign currency bonds increased by $ 2.192 billion, or 10.8%, to $ 22.412 billion, for ruble denominated government securities in dollar equivalent - by $ 8.921 billion, or 28.2%, to $ 40.530 billion.

 In April, the Central Bank announced that Russia's gold and foreign exchange reserves reached their maximum over the past five years.