MOSCOW, Feb 28 (Reuters) - The Russian rouble weakened

against the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan on Friday, losing

support from corporate tax payments at the end of the month, as

the influence of Russia-U.S. talks on the currency market began

to wane.

At 1125 GMT, the rouble was down 0.9% at 87.75

against the dollar in the over-the-counter market. It also

weakened by 0.6% to 12.09 against the yuan, the most traded

foreign currency in Russia.

"The seasonal sales activity of exporters ahead of the tax

payment deadline, which is today, was quite moderate yesterday,

and from today it is expected to decline," said Denis Popov from

PSB Bank.

The rouble is still up by 22% against the dollar so far this

year and by 10% since the start of February, mostly due to

expectations of better relations with the United States and an

eventual peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

Analysts pointed to the lack of quick progress in

Russia-U.S. talks as one of the factors contributing to the

rouble's weakness.

"Many investors are taking the opportunity to lock in

profits as they are concerned about conflicting statements

regarding the geopolitical situation and the lack of clear

progress in this area," said John Walsh from Alfa-Bank.