The Government of the Russian Federation has officially announced the legalization of cryptocurrency use for international trade settlements. This move, adopted on October 22, 2025, is part of a strategy to minimize the impact of Western sanctions and create alternative channels for foreign economic activities. The decision aims to strengthen the country's financial independence and simplify trade operations with partners maintaining neutrality regarding sanctions.
The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Russia have agreed on creating a regulatory framework establishing an experimental legal regime for the use of digital assets. This regime, launched in September 2025, now officially governs the application of cryptocurrencies in international settlements. The main provisions of the new regulation include:
Limited Use: Cryptocurrencies are permitted exclusively for foreign trade operations. Domestic settlements using digital assets remain prohibited.
Regulated Infrastructure: All transactions will be conducted through a state-controlled platform overseen by the Central Bank of Russia.
AML/KYC Standards Compliance: Strict requirements have been introduced to counter money laundering and ensure customer identification for transparent operations.
Financial Risk Control: Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized that the security and stability of the financial system remain a priority despite the innovations.
The decision to legalize cryptocurrencies for international trade was a response to the economic restrictions imposed on Russia following the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The disconnection of major Russian banks from the SWIFT system in 2022 significantly limited the options for cross-border payments in dollars and euros. Cryptocurrencies usage will allow:
Bypassing sanction restrictions while maintaining access to international markets.
Simplifying trade with partners from countries not supporting the sanctions, such as China, India, and Middle Eastern states.
Reducing dependence on traditional currencies such as the dollar and euro in global payments.
The legalization of cryptocurrencies in international trade marks an important step in integrating digital assets into Russia's official financial system. Despite stringent regulatory oversight, this decision demonstrates the state's readiness to adapt to global technological and economic changes. Experts note that the new system could strengthen Russia's position on the international stage, especially in trade with partners from Asia and Latin America.
However, restrictions on domestic cryptocurrency usage and strict AML/KYC requirements underscore the authorities' cautious approach. This is aimed at minimizing risks associated with cryptocurrency volatility and the potential use of digital assets for illegal purposes.
The legalization of cryptocurrencies for foreign trade operations opens new opportunities for the Russian economy under sanction pressure. This step not only contributes to diversifying payment instruments but also strengthens Russia's position in global trade. At the same time, the state's strict control emphasizes the commitment to ensuring financial stability and security. In the coming months, it will become clear how the new system will affect trade flows and the perception of cryptocurrencies in the official economy.