MOSCOW, February 16. /TASS/. /TASS/. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Russia's credit rating at 'BBB-' with a positive outlook.

The credit rating agency cited a strong sovereign balance sheet and robust external finances.

"The prospect of harsher additional US sanctions remains high, maintaining risks for sovereign financing flexibility, private sector access to international financing and macroeconomic volatility, as well as weighing on growth prospects," Fitch Ratings said.

On February 9 global ratings agency Moody's upgraded Russia's rating to Baa3 with a stable outlook.