March 5 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble firmed towards

the 89 mark against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday, paring some

losses after five consecutive sessions of depreciation, as

markets responded to the geopolitical impetus of potential

sanctions relief.

The rouble is up against the dollar this year, mostly thanks

to expectations of improved relations between Moscow and

Washington that could produce some kind of conflict resolution

in Ukraine and a possible easing of sanctions against Russia.

By 0844 GMT, the rouble was up 0.3% at 89.50 to the

dollar in over-the-counter market trade. Against the yuan, the

most traded foreign currency in Russia, the rouble fell 0.1% to

12.20.

The rouble rate will continue consolidating in the 12-12.5

range against the yuan, said Promsvyazbank analysts, and the

Russian currency could strengthen towards the end of the month

when exporters convert foreign currency into roubles to make tax

payments.

"The news background in the short term is likely to continue

to remain positive," Promsvyazbank said.

Brent crude oil LCOc1, a global benchmark for Russia's main

export, was down 0.3% at $70.80 a barrel.