Russia Advances Crypto Use in Foreign Trade Amid Sanctions and Dollar Diversification Push

Russia is turbocharging its push to legalize cryptocurrency in foreign trade, signaling a massive shift in global finance as it aims to outmaneuver sanctions, enhance cross-border payment systems, and unlock a new era of decentralized commerce.

Russia Backs Crypto for Foreign Trade Amid Sanctions Pressure

Russia is advancing efforts to integrate cryptocurrency into its foreign trade framework as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of global financial restrictions and modernize cross-border transactions. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated this week, as reported by Interfax, that participants in a strategic session chaired by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin concluded that cryptocurrency transactions in foreign trade should be legalized, while the Bank of Russia’s supervisory authority over this activity should be strengthened.

“We see a significant area of work with cryptocurrency payments and cryptocurrency,” Siluanov stated in a translated statement. “Payments for imports, payments, and the withdrawal of currency from the country are carried out using the crypto market and cryptocurrency payments. Therefore, we agreed with the central bank on the need to streamline and legalize this market, with the central bank strengthening its oversight functions.” He also emphasized the need for a legislative framework to ensure transparency:

We believe this area should be legalized, this area of activity should be regulated by law, and thus, together with Rosfinmonitoring and the regulatory agencies, we will be able to ensure and restore order in this sector.

The session included Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina and Deputy Governor Olga Polyakova, highlighting coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities. Rosfinmonitoring is Russia’s federal executive body responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, developing and implementing state policies.

The central bank of Russia previously launched an experimental legal regime allowing cryptocurrency to be used in foreign trade under a special law. Deputy Chairman Alexey Guznov said the initiative aims to test regulatory approaches to cryptocurrency use in international economic activity. If the results are positive, the regime could be expanded, potentially to companies in special administrative regions. Supporters say legalizing crypto-based trade settlements could improve Russia’s trade flexibility and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar amid ongoing sanctions.

FAQ 🧭

• How is Russia planning to use cryptocurrency in foreign trade?

Russia intends to legalize crypto transactions for imports and cross-border payments to bypass financial sanctions and modernize trade flows.

• What role will the Bank of Russia play in this crypto initiative?

The Bank of Russia will expand its oversight authority to regulate and monitor crypto-based foreign trade activities under a new legal framework.

• Why is Russia legalizing crypto payments now?

The move is part of a strategic response to circumvent global sanctions and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade.

• What is the next step in Russia’s crypto trade rollout?

Russia will first run an experimental legal regime to evaluate and scale crypto use in foreign trade based on regulatory outcomes.