CHICAGO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Gold futures on the COMEX division of the New York Mercantile Exchange rose on Thursday as Russia-Ukraine conflicts rage on.

       The most active gold contract for April delivery rose 24.9 U.S. dollars, or 1.29 percent, to close at 1,962.2 dollars per ounce.

       The United States announced new sanctions on Russia, fueling safe haven demand for gold. It also prohibited gold-related transactions with Russia's central bank.

       Economic data released on Thursday are mixed. U.S. Commerce Department reported that U.S. durable goods orders slumped by 2.2 percent in February after jumping by 1.6 percent in January. The decrease is much bigger than a 0.5-percent dip expected.

       U.S. Labor Department reported U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 28,000 to 187,000 for the week ending March 19, the lowest since September of 1969.

       Silver for May delivery rose 73.1 cents, or 2.9 percent, to close at 25.92 dollars per ounce. Platinum for April delivery rose 10.2 dollars, or 1 percent, to close at 1,031.2 dollars per ounce.