Bill Imposing Fines for Illegal Issuance and Exchange of Digital Assets Proposed in Russia

A bill introducing financial penalties for those who illegally issue or exchange digital financial assets has been filed in the Russian parliament. The legislation has been submitted by the sponsor of another draft law banning their use as a means of payment. New Bill Targets Russian Platforms Issuing and Trading Digital Currencies Outside Law Persons … Read more

Russia to Trial Digital Ruble Settlements for Real Estate Deals

The Central Bank of Russia and participating commercial banks want to test various types of payments with the digital ruble, the Russian press reported. The plan is to experiment with smart contracts and transactions related to real estate and crypto asset purchases. Bank of Russia to Launch Smart Contracts on Digital Ruble Platform Russia’s central … Read more

Ukraine Raises Over $100,000 From Cryptopunk NFT Sale

The government of Ukraine has sold a Cryptopunk NFT donated in support of the war-torn country a few months ago. The token has been purchased by an unidentified buyer who spent more than $100,000 in ethereum for the collectible, the country’s digital transformation ministry said. Ukraine Government Sells Donated Cryptopunk Token for 90 ETH Ukrainian … Read more

Russian Ruble Taps 7-Year High Against the US Dollar — Economist Says ‘Don’t Ignore the Exchange Rate’

Recent news reports have detailed that Russia’s fiat currency, the ruble, was the best-performing currency worldwide and the articles explained that American economists were perplexed by the trend. On Monday, the Russian ruble rose to 55.47 per dollar, which was the highest increase since 2015. While many have dismissed the ruble’s exchange rate, Charles Lichfield, … Read more

Russian Finance Ministry Rules Out Sale of Oil for Bitcoin

The Russian government considers bitcoin as a payment option for small business transactions, not for oil exports, the country’s finance ministry has indicated. A top official emphasized the department means that cryptocurrencies may be used in barter deals, but not as legal tender. Crypto Payments Not for Russian State Settlements, Ministry of Finance Says Cryptocurrency … Read more

Sberbank to Conduct First Digital Asset Transaction on Own Platform

Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is going to carry out the first transfer of digital assets on its own dedicated platform within a month, a top executive revealed this week. The announcement comes after earlier this year, the bank was authorized to issue digital financial assets. Sberbank Prepares for Deal With Digital Financial Assets on Proprietary … Read more

Bitriver to Mine Crypto Using Excess Gas From Gazprom Neft’s Oil Extraction

Russian crypto mining operator Bitriver will use electricity generated from associated gas provided by Gazprom Neft to mint digital coins. As part of a new agreement, the mining company will in return develop the digital infrastructure at the oil producer’s wells in Russia. Crypto Mining Operator Bitriver to Cooperate With Russian Oil Giant Gazprom Neft … Read more

Uganda Claims Exploration Surveys Discovered 31 Million Metric Tons of Gold

While gold is often considered a scarce asset, Uganda explained on Wednesday that recently conducted exploration surveys indicate that there’s roughly 31 million metric tons of gold ore waiting to be mined in the region. Moreover, a spokesperson from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said there’s an estimated 320,158 tonnes of refined gold … Read more

Crypto Payments Possible if They Don’t Penetrate Russia’s Financial System, Central Bank Says

Cryptocurrencies can be used for international payments if they don’t penetrate the Russian financial system, the head of Bank of Russia has stated. The governor also insisted that the digital assets should not be traded on platforms operating inside the country. Bank of Russia Chair Ready to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments for International Settlements Cryptocurrencies can … Read more