#russia News & Analysis

Russia Advances Sweeping Crypto Bill With Provisions for 'Circumventing Sanctions'

Russia Advances Sweeping Crypto Regulation Bill, Legalizes Cross-Border Payments and Tightens Market Controls

Russia resumes Urals crude shipments after drone strike disruptions

Russia has resumed shipments of Urals crude oil following disruptions caused by drone strikes, providing temporary relief to global energy markets. However, the ongoing conflict poses continued risks of supply interruptions and price volatility.

Sberbank Poised to Launch Crypto Services for 110 Million Russian Customers

Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, is preparing to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody services to its 110 million customers, marking a significant institutional entry into crypto markets. The move comes with proposed regulatory constraints limiting retail investors to $4,000 in annual crypto purchases.

Putin finally admits Russia’s economy is in trouble and grasps for answers, after warnings about a financial crisis have been piling up

Russian President Putin acknowledged economic contraction of 1.8% combined in January and February, with declines across manufacturing, industrial production, and construction sectors. This public admission reflects mounting pressure from cumulative financial crisis warnings and signals deepening structural challenges in Russia's economy.

UN Security Council to meet after Russian shelling in Ukraine

The UN Security Council is convening following Russian military operations in Ukraine, though diplomatic prospects remain dim with ceasefire negotiations facing significant skepticism. The meeting underscores the deepening geopolitical tensions that continue to create macroeconomic uncertainty affecting global markets, including cryptocurrency and digital asset valuations.

Russia introduces bill to criminalize unregistered crypto services

Russia has introduced legislation requiring individuals and entities to register with the Bank of Russia before offering cryptocurrency services, with violations potentially resulting in fines and imprisonment. This represents a significant regulatory tightening in a country that has historically taken a cautious stance toward digital assets.

Poland’s Tusk says Russia-linked crypto firm is bankrolling his opponents

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused a Russian-linked cryptocurrency platform called Zondacrypto of financing his political opponents ahead of a parliamentary vote. Tusk alleged the firm has supported right-wing political and social initiatives, linking cryptocurrency activity to foreign interference in Polish politics.

At least a dozen crypto entities attacked since Drift Protocol hack

Russia warns US-Iran talks may mask invasion plans amid military buildup

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.