MOSCOW, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble surged by

almost 3% against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday after a deal

between Russia and the United States brought home an American

school teacher who was detained and sentenced in Russia.

At 0910 GMT, the rouble was at 93.70 against the

dollar, the highest level for the Russian currency since October

4, 2024, according to data from the over-the-counter market.

The rouble is up about 15% against the U.S. dollar so far

this year. It strengthened 1.8% to 12.68 against China's yuan,

the most traded foreign currency in Russia, on the Moscow Stock

Exchange.

"The positive news background, promising a reduction in

geopolitical tensions, continues to strengthen, and this factor

is currently playing a significant role in supporting the

rouble," said Denis Popov from PSB bank.

The potential easing of Russia-U.S. tensions following

President Donald Trump's pledge to quickly end the war between

Ukraine and Russia has been a major factor behind the rouble's

rally since the start of the year