MOSCOW, Feb 21 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble hit new

highs against the U.S. dollar and China's yuan on Friday after a

top U.S. official said Russia could win some relief from U.S.

sanctions based on its willingness to negotiate an end to its

war in Ukraine.

At 0830 GMT the rouble was up 1.3% at 87.50 against

the dollar in the over-the-counter market, the highest since

September 3. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on

Thursday that such a relief was possible.

The rouble surged past the 12 mark against the Chinese yuan

to trade on the stronger side of the mark for the first time

since September 3 in Thursday's trading session at the Moscow

Stock Exchange (MOEX). It traded at 12.04 to yuan on Friday.

"Speculative sales amid rapidly growing expectations of a

reduction in geopolitical costs were the driver. We believe that

the trend towards the strengthening of the rouble will

continue," said analyst Denis Popov from PSB bank.

He added that the increased forex sales by exporting

companies ahead of their corporate tax payments at the end of

the month were also a factor behind the rouble's recent rally.

The Russian currency has gained 23% against the dollar and

12% against the yuan this year, mostly on expectations of better

relations with the United States under new U.S. President Donald

Trump.

The dollar/rouble futures on MOEX, which serve as a guidance

for over-the-counter rates, traded at 89.44. The Russian central

bank set the official exchange rate at 88.51.