MOSCOW (AFP) - The Russian ruble on Thursday fell sharply in value against the euro after Crimea's pro-Russia authorities announced they wanted to join Russia and international talks failed to reach consensus.

The ruble lost value to trade 50.06 rubles to the euro at 1445 GMT, 0.5 rubles more than the closing price the day earlier, with the pressure increased by optimistic comments by ECB chief Mario Draghi earlier on the eurozone. The ruble also lost value to trade at 36.186 rubles to the dollar, a rise of 0.1425 rubles from the day earlier.