Aug 12 (Reuters) - The rouble hovered close to 80 to the

dollar on Tuesday and Russian stocks steadied after several

sessions of strong gains, with investors waiting to see if this

week's talks between Moscow and Washington yield a Ukraine

ceasefire.

Russian markets have been particularly jittery for the past

two weeks since U.S. President Donald Trump set an August 8

deadline for Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine or face

tightened sanctions. All eyes are now on the August 15 meeting

between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

By 0758 GMT, the rouble was down 0.4% at 79.80 to the

dollar, according to data compiled by LSEG based on

over-the-counter quotes, and lost 0.4% to 11.06 against China's

yuan, the most traded foreign currency in Russia.

Geopolitics is currently buttressing the rouble, but energy

market weakness and demand for foreign currency from importers

are offsetting this support, said Promsvyazbank analyst Bogdan

Zvarich.

Brent crude oil, a global benchmark for Russia's

main export, was up 0.4% at $66.87 a barrel.

"At the same time, some traders may adopt a wait-and-see

position on the FX market ahead of negotiations between the

leaders of Russia and the United States, which could contribute

to lower trading activity and reduced volatility," Zvarich said.

Russia's main stock market index MOEX, which hit a

more than three-month high of 2,996 points on Monday, was down

0.3% at 2,956 points.