Russian Court Bans Websites Explaining How to Trade Bitcoin

A court in Russia’s Perm region has decided to block a number of websites describing how to exchange cryptocurrency for fiat cash. Local prosecutors claim the dissemination of this type of information is against the law in Russia as it may facilitate the laundering of illicit funds. Kungur City Court Blocks Crypto-Related Sites The Kungur … Read more

De-Dollarization: Russia Removing All US Dollar Assets From Its $600 Billion National Wealth Fund

Russia has reportedly announced that U.S. dollar assets will be removed from its National Wealth Fund as U.S. sanctions on Moscow intensify. The fund, which currently totals about $600.9 billion, forms part of Russia’s gold and currency reserves. Russia Steps up De-Dollarization Efforts Russia’s finance minister, Anton Siluanov, announced at the St. Petersburg International Economic … Read more

Kalashnikov Eyes Digital Ruble Settlements as Russia Aims to Replace ‘Dirty Money’

Kalashnikov Group, the Russian firearms manufacturer, is ready to transition to settlements in digital currency. The announcement came from the international economic forum in Saint Petersburg where the central bank of Russia reaffirmed its intention to replace “dirty” and “infectious” paper cash with the digital ruble that’s currently under development. Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern Looks Forward … Read more

Russian Lawmakers Move to Allow Crypto Payments Under Contracts

Members of the State Duma are now working on amendments that will permit the use of cryptocurrency as a contractual means of payment. Digital financial assets are regarded as property under Russian law and the changes will legalize crypto payments between parties to a contract. State Duma to Amend Civil Code to Legalize Contractual Crypto … Read more

Best Goal Scorer at Euro Soccer Championship to Get NFT Trophy From Gazprom

The player with the best goal at Europe’s international soccer championship this summer will be awarded a special prize. European football’s governing body, UEFA, and the tournament’s sponsor, Russia’s Gazprom, are behind the initiative to present the winner with an NFT trophy. UEFA, Gazprom to Award Best Goal Prize at Euro 2020 The unique prize … Read more

France Rejects Russian Request to Extradite BTC-e Operator Alexander Vinnik

Judicial authorities in France have refused to grant the extradition request filed by Russia for Alexander Vinnik. According to the Russian Ombudsman, Vinnik is now ready to start a new hunger strike despite his health deteriorating after spending almost four years in detention. Court Case Against Vinnik Continues in France The operator of the infamous … Read more

Bank of Russia to Launch Digital Ruble Prototype by End of Year

The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is preparing to release a digital prototype of the national fiat towards the end of 2021, a high-ranking official has confirmed. Transfers between private individuals will be free of charge with the digital ruble, which is going to have legal tender status on par with Russia’s traditional currency. Bank … Read more

Election Candidates in Russia to Disclose Crypto Investments, New Bill Suggests

A new bill obliging candidates running for election in Russia to declare their spending on digital assets has hit the floor of the State Duma. According to the draft, Russian politicians will be required to disclose details about every crypto purchase they and their families make, if the total exceeds a certain amount. Candidates to … Read more

Bank of Russia Tests Services Related to Cryptocurrencies

Russia’s central bank has examined three platforms offering crypto-related services. The projects have been tested in its regulatory sandbox in the course of 2020. Bank of Russia has received dozens of requests to pilot various financial services since it created the closed regulatory environment around three years ago. CBR Pilots 3 Crypto Projects in 2020 … Read more

Russian Oil Giant Provides Excess Gas to Operations Powering Bitcoin Mining Devices

The firm Gazpromneft, an oil subsidiary of the Russian natural gas and global energy company Gazprom, is giving bitcoin mining operations the chance to power operations by using excess gas for electricity. The Russian firm has allowed a small mining operation to benefit from the excess gas by mining bitcoin on-site at the oil field. … Read more