MOSCOW, Feb 20 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble traded on

the stronger side of the 90 mark against the U.S. dollar on

Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

At 1000 GMT, the rouble was up 1.1% at 88.70 against the

dollar in the over-the-counter market, maintaining a break of

the 90 level in a sustainable way for the first time since

September.

"More positive geopolitical news could push the rouble even

higher," Alor brokerage analysts said in a research note.

The rouble was also up 1.8% at 12.12 against China's yuan,

the most traded foreign currency in Russia, in trade on the

Moscow stock exchange.

The Russian currency has gained almost 22% against the

dollar this year, mostly on expectations of easing geopolitical

tensions between Russia and the West.