The Russian government has announced the legalization of cryptocurrency for settling international trade deals, a strategic move designed to counter the impact of Western economic sanctions.
Both the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank have formally agreed to this policy, formalizing the experimental legal regime that began in September. This provides Russian businesses with a critical alternative payment channel, easing the financial strain caused by their disconnection from traditional global banking channels, particularly the SWIFT network.
The new legal framework will be supported by strict regulation and enhanced oversight. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized that despite the focus on sanctions relief, regulators will enforce stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards. All cross-border crypto transactions will be processed through a regulated infrastructure under the direct supervision of Russia’s Central Bank.
Crucially, this legalization is strictly limited to foreign trade settlements and does not permit the use of cryptocurrency for domestic payments, a policy intended to protect the financial stability of the ruble.
The move is viewed as a direct response to the severe economic measures imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. By using a sanctions-proof alternative, Russia aims to facilitate trade with key allies like China, India, and Turkey, which have not joined the Western sanctions regime.
October 2025, Cryptoniteuae