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Russia’s ruble-pegged stablecoin helped evade sanctions to the tune of $100 billion
22.1.2026
Elliptic says the ruble-pegged A7A5 processed nearly 250,000 onchain transactions, demonstrating how stablecoins facilitate cross-border flows under sanctions pressure
Russia-linked A7A5 stablecoin processed $100B before sanctions hit: Elliptic
22.1.2026
Elliptic said the ruble-backed A7A5 token functioned as a bridge into USDT markets before sanctions and exchange controls curbed its growth
Russia to open up crypto, aims to make it ‘common occurrence’: Report
15.1.2026
A top Russian lawmaker says crypto “will be a common occurrence” in the country, with plans for a bill to deregulate the market for retail use
TRM Reports Record $158 Billion Illicit Crypto Flows in 2025
12.1.2026
TRM’s 2026 Crypto Crime Report shows illicit crypto volume hit a record $158 billion in 2025, reversing a multi‑year decline. On January 10, TRM released key insights from its upcoming 2026 Crypto Crime Report, revealing that illicit cryptocurrency inflows reached an all‑time high of $158 billion...
A ruble stablecoin outpaced market leaders last year despite international sanctions
9.1.2026
A7A5, a ruble-linked stablecoin few outside Russia had heard of a year ago grew the most of any stablecoin, outpacing both USDT and USDC over the past 12 months
Russia cracks down on illegal crypto miners, India lobbies for CBDCs: Global Express
2.1.2026
India is urging other countries to develop CBDCs, and China is expanding the use of its digital yuan, allowing banks to offer interest on e-CNY wallets
Central Bank of Rusia Highlights Digital Ruble’s Payments Potential
30.12.2025
According to Alla Bakina, Director of the Central Bank’s National Payment System Department, the upcoming implementation of the digital Ruble presents opportunities in the payments arena. The bank estimates that it could reach 5% of the total payments in 7 years. Central Bank Of Russia Talks Ruble...
Russia targets unregistered crypto miners with new criminal penalties
30.12.2025
Russia’s justice ministry proposed fines and prison for illegal crypto mining, as officials say most miners still haven’t joined the tax register
Sberbank issues Russia's first crypto-backed loan to bitcoin miner Intelion Data
29.12.2025
Sberbank used its in-house crypto custody tool to back a loan for mining firm Intelion Data, signaling broader interest in crypto lending
Bitcoin tops $90,000, Oil rises as Russia-Ukraine peace hopes falter
29.12.2025
Russia and Ukraine conducted attacks on key energy infrastructure, affecting peace deal prospects despite ongoing diplomatic efforts
Sberbank Issues First Crypto Backed Loan in Russia
28.12.2025
Local media reports indicate that Sberbank, Russia’s largest banking institution, issued a loan to a local miner using cryptocurrency as collateral. While the transaction is just a pilot, it represents a first for the company and the country, marking an expansion in the use of these assets....
Bank of Russia Proposes New Crypto‑Market Regulation Framework
24.12.2025
The Russian central bank releases a concept allowing qualified and non‑qualified investors to buy crypto assets under differentiated rules. The Bank of Russia announced a draft regulatory concept for the Russian cryptocurrency market, which it has submitted to the government for legislative review....
Russia’s central bank unveils new crypto rules to be adopted in 2026
23.12.2025
Bank of Russia outlined a new framework intended to let retail and qualified investors buy crypto under defined tests and caps by 2027
Russia’s central bank signals shift toward retail crypto access
23.12.2025
Russia’s central bank has submitted draft that would allow non-qualified investors to purchase crypto, but only under strict conditions
Central Bank of Russia Acknowledges Bitcoin Mining as a Ruble Strengthening Activity
20.12.2025
The Central Bank of Russia recently referred to the properties of bitcoin mining and how it could help strengthen the Russian ruble. Elvira Nabiullina, head of the institution, stated that it was still difficult to assess the contribution of the activity in this regard. Central Bank of Russia...
Most Influential: Oleg Ogienko
16.12.2025
Sanctions, capital controls and Russia’s improvised financial plumbing helped create A7A5, a ruble stablecoin built on a currency rarely used in global commerce, allowing it to appear legally at major events even as its presence leaves compliance teams panicked
Belarus blocks ByBit, Bitget, OKX as Russia clamps down on crypto gray area
11.12.2025
Belarus blocked major crypto exchange domains the same day Russia signaled it may ease regulated crypto access requirements while clamping down on the gray market
Analysts Warn: EU Reparations Loan Could Upend Global Economic Landscape
9.12.2025
Analysts warn that the so-called reparation loans proposal revealed by the EU on Wednesday, which would transfer part of the over $200 billion in Russian assets frozen to support the Ukrainian war effort, might fundamentally alter the global economic landscape. EU’s Reparation Loan Proposal Could...
Russian Gold Reserves Surge to 42.3% of International Portfolio
8.12.2025
According to the Central Bank of Russia’s figures, Russia now holds over $310 billion in gold, a record for the nation’s reserves. As of December, gold comprises 42.3% of Russia’s reserves, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to de-dollarization and diversification. Russia Bets on Gold: Holds...
Russian Banking Giant VTB to Become Country's First to Offer Spot Crypto Trading: Report
5.12.2025
In 2026, VTB plans to be the first Russian bank to allow clients access to spot crypto trading services