#russia News & Analysis

Russia was expecting a windfall from soaring oil prices, but relentless Ukrainian drone attacks are devastating nearly half its export capacity

Bitcoin macro risks spike as Ukraine throws a spanner in Trump's plan to stabilize oil markets

Ukraine's disruption of Russian oil flows has created additional uncertainty in global energy markets, potentially complicating inflation outlooks. This development is putting continued pressure on risk assets, including bitcoin, as macro economic conditions remain unstable.

Oil Surges Past $100 as Iran Blockades Hormuz Strait, US Softens Russia Sanctions

Moldova's Anticorruption Center Alleges $107M Crypto Scheme to Influence Elections

Moldova's Anticorruption Center has uncovered a $107 million cryptocurrency-based election interference scheme allegedly backed by Russia. Blockchain analysis firm TRM Labs confirmed connections to a Russia-backed influence operation that paid agitators using cryptocurrency.

Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. military targets in the Mideast, marking first sign Moscow is getting involved in the war

Russia is reportedly sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. military targets in the Middle East, representing the first clear indication of Moscow's direct involvement in the regional conflict. This escalation in Russia-Iran cooperation could have significant geopolitical implications for the broader Middle East situation.

Russia, Iran and North Korea send illicit crypto volumes to record $154bn

Sanctioned entities from Russia, Iran and North Korea drove illicit cryptocurrency volumes to a record $154 billion in 2025, with sanctioned entities representing the vast majority of illegal crypto activity according to Chainalysis data.

Sanctions evasions using crypto increased by 700% in 2025: Chainalysis

Chainalysis reports that sanctions evasion using cryptocurrency surged 700% in 2025, with Russia, Iran, and North Korea moving over $100 billion onchain. These countries utilized stablecoins, hacked funds, and state-linked exchanges to circumvent international sanctions.

Crypto Traders Beware: Russia’s New “Regulated Only” Regime Could Cut You Off From Global Liquidity

Russia, Iran-Linked Groups Turn To Crypto For Crowdfunded Drone Purchases – Report

Trump said the Iran war was ‘very complete’ three weeks ago. Oil has surged 50% since, and analysts are warning of stagflation

Russia’s Dual-War Windfall: How Two Conflicts Are Driving Oil Toward $150 Per Barrel

‘Russia is the only one responsible’: Moldova imposes 60-day energy emergency after Russian strikes in Ukraine

Goldman’s top international execs say the Iran war has parallels to the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but there are key differences

Goldman Sachs international executives Anthony Gutman and Kunal Shah draw parallels between Iran's military actions and Russia's Ukraine invasion, while noting fundamental differences in starting conditions. The comparison highlights potential similar geopolitical and economic implications but acknowledges distinct contextual factors.

BTC Wobbles at $70K as France Deploys Ships to Hormuz and Trump Rejects Peace Deal Attempt (Report)

Bitcoin trades around $70K amid escalating geopolitical tensions as France deploys naval forces to the Hormuz Strait and Trump reportedly rejects peace deal attempts. Russia has become the first nation to provide aid to Iran since the conflict began, heightening Middle East tensions.

Putin’s commodity comments add fuel to crypto’s geopolitical moment

Putin's comments suggest Russia may increasingly integrate cryptocurrency into commodity trading, potentially undermining traditional financial systems. This development could encourage other nations to adopt similar crypto-based trade strategies as part of broader geopolitical shifts.

Asia's weekly TOP10 crypto news: Surge in Iranian Crypto Asset Outflows, Russia Plans Separate Stablecoin Legislation and Top10 News

Iranian crypto exchanges experienced significant capital outflows following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28. This represents part of Asia's broader crypto developments, alongside Russia's plans for separate stablecoin legislation.

From Ban Threats To Bank Licenses: Russia’s New Crypto Play

The Bank of Russia has proposed allowing banks and brokerage firms to obtain licenses to operate cryptocurrency exchanges through a notification process. This represents a significant shift from Russia's previous stance of crypto ban threats to embracing regulated crypto operations through traditional financial institutions.

Russia Moves to Formalize Crypto and Stablecoin Rules

Russia is working to formalize comprehensive cryptocurrency and stablecoin regulations, representing a significant shift toward integrating digital assets into its financial framework. This regulatory development could impact global crypto markets and set precedent for other nations considering similar frameworks.

Russia mulls simplified crypto exchange licensing for banks via notification process: report

Russia's central bank has proposed a simplified crypto exchange licensing process that would allow banks to obtain crypto exchange licenses based on their existing banking licenses through a notification system. This regulatory development could streamline crypto operations for Russian banks.

Iran Regime's Crypto Activity Topped $3 Billion as Illicit Transactions Surged in 2025: Report

Iran's cryptocurrency activity reached $3 billion in 2025 as sanctioned countries including Russia and North Korea significantly increased their illicit crypto transactions, according to a Chainalysis report. This surge highlights how sanctioned nations are leveraging digital assets to circumvent international financial restrictions.

Russia plots stablecoin bill to capitalise on ‘colossal potential’

Russia's Ministry of Finance is considering introducing new stablecoin legislation as the country accelerates its pivot toward cryptocurrency adoption. This represents Moscow's strategic effort to capitalize on what officials describe as the 'colossal potential' of digital assets.

U.S. has shown China and Russia ‘who really is a military power,’ says Trump’s ex-commerce secretary—don’t expect them to get involved in Iran

Trump's former commerce secretary Wilbur Ross suggests that recent U.S. military actions have demonstrated American power to China and Russia, noting their absence from intervening in Iran-related conflicts. Ross expressed that the Iran situation is progressing as well as could be hoped and finds it notable that major powers China and Russia have stayed out.

Asia's weekly TOP10 crypto news: Iran's Crypto Ecosystem Reaches $7.78 Billion in 2025, Russia Allows Courts to Confiscate Cryptocurrencies in Criminal Cases and Top10 News

Iran has developed a $7.78 billion cryptocurrency ecosystem primarily based on Bitcoin mining and stablecoins to circumvent U.S. dollar-based financial systems. This parallel crypto economy represents a significant geopolitical development as nations seek alternatives to traditional financial infrastructure through digital assets.

Putin lets courts confiscate Bitcoin as Russia cracks down on freewheeling crypto sector

Russian President Vladimir Putin has granted courts new authority to confiscate cryptocurrencies during criminal investigations, marking a significant regulatory crackdown on Russia's previously loosely regulated crypto sector.

Russia to begin ‘mass blocking’ of major crypto exchanges in summer, warns expert

Russia is reportedly preparing to implement 'mass blocking' of major international cryptocurrency exchanges starting as early as summer 2024. Industry experts warn that Russian citizens may soon lose access to overseas crypto trading platforms as the country continues tightening regulatory controls over digital assets.