Russia
Sanctions evasions using crypto increased by 700% in 2025: Chainalysis
Russia, Iran and North Korea expanded their use of stablecoins, hacked funds and state-linked exchanges to move more than $100 billion onchain to evade international sanctions.
Millions in crypto funded tools to exploit U.S. software, Treasury says in new sanctions
An Australian national was said to sell cyber tools designed for the U.S. government and its allies to a Russian company known as Operation Zero.
Elliptic flags Russia-linked crypto platforms’ ongoing sanctions evasion
Bitpapa, Garantex and ABCeX were among the cryptocurrency exchanges linked to Russian-tied transactions circumventing Western evasions.
'We do not do illegal things': Inside a U.S.-sanctioned stablecoin issuer's race to build a crypto giant
Oleg Ogienko, the public face of A7A5, pitched the ruble-pegged stablecoin as a fast-growing trade rail built to move money across borders despite sanctions pressure.
Russia's daily crypto turnover is over $650 million, Ministry of Finance says
Government and central bank officials are pushing for legislation to regulate cryptocurrency activities, aiming for passage during the spring session.
Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, prepares to issue crypto-backed loans
Russia’s biggest bank said it plans to offer loans secured by cryptocurrency following a pilot deal with a mining firm, with legislation expected by mid-2026.
Sovcombank says it's the first Russian bank to offer bitcoin-backed loans to public
Larger rival Sberbank beat Sovcombank to the punch, but it's still running as a pilot program.
Moscow Exchange to add SOL, XRP, and TRX futures contracts to crypto derivatives lineup
The new contracts will be based on indices for each token, settled in rubles, and accessible only to qualified investors.
Russia's biggest bitcoin mining firm's founder arrested for tax evasion while his company faces bankruptcy
An En+ subsidiary has filed an insolvency claim against the crypto mining firm, adding to pressure from energy debts, regulatory curbs and internal turmoil.
Russia plans to cap retail crypto buys at $4,000 as it brings digital assets into the legal fold
Russian lawmakers plan crypto regulations by midyear, permitting trading for qualified and retail investors while banning anonymous coins and domestic payments.
