RUSSIA
Russian Official Advocates Legalization of Bitcoin Mining
In a dramatic twist, the Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Evgeny Grabchak is pushing for the regulation of Bitcoin mining given the current realities in the country.
Cryptoassets Use in Ukraine War under Scrutiny by Global Regulators: Reuters
The use of crypto assets is being closely watched by global financial regulators amid the war in Ukraine after worry about its use to evade Western sanctions on Russia, according to Reuters.
U.S. Democrats Propose Bill to Restrict Russian Crypto Use amid Ukraine Crisis
U.S. Democratic senators have proposed a bill that intends to impose sanctions on foreign cryptocurrency companies that have partnerships with Russian entities, preventing them from bypassing U.S. sanctions.
Crypto Whales Taking Wait-and-See Approach
Based on hiked interest rates and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, crypto whales have shown signs of caution, given that their transaction volumes have been dwindling.
Russians Under Sanctions Using Crypto to Launder Money: Elliptic Report
Russians with strong social connections, who are under international sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine, have been using cryptocurrencies to launder their wealth, according to a report.
LSG Group Says Crypto Exchanges Dealing in Russia Could See Setbacks
The head of the London Stock Exchange Group said that cryptocurrency exchanges engaging with Russia could see negative consequences as Western governments look for ways to tackle Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine War Might Accelerate CBDC Issuance, Former BOJ Official Says
The sanctions slapped on Russia based on its invasion of Ukraine might prompt more nations to adopt CBDCs as a shield against the U.S. dollar’s supremacy in the global financial system.
Ukraine to Record War Against Russia in NFTs
The Ukrainian government has planned to launch non-fungible tokens (NFTs) featuring unique digital artwork illustrating stories from its war with Russia.
Japan Asks Crypto Exchanges to Cancel Russian Sanction Related Transactions
Following concerns from the G7 nations, Japan has requested crypto exchanges to suspend transactions of crypto assets that are subject to asset-freeze sanctions against Russia and Belarus, Reuters reported.
US President Joe Biden to Sign Executive Order on Crypto this Week
U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to issue an executive order on cryptocurrency this week. Authorities would be expected to develop policies to enable the U.S. government to work with foreign powers to regulate crypto and its trade across international borders.
Coinbase Blocked 25,000 Wallet Addresses of Russian Individuals or Entities Linked to Illegal Activities
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc. said it has blocked 25,000 wallet addresses of Russian individuals or entities linked to illegal activities.
Thailand Considers Opening Crypto Payments for Russian and Ukrainian Tourists
Following Mastercard and Visa suspension of Russian credit cards abroad due to international sanctions imposed, Thailand, on the other hand, is looking at accepting crypto payments for transactions.
Crypto is Becoming the Lifeline for Ordinary Russians, Coinbase CEO Says
Meanwhile, as the war between Russia and Ukraine ravages, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong believes that cryptocurrencies are emerging as the lifeline for Russians as the nation faces heavy sanctions.
Four Payment Operators Join in Suspending their Services in Russia amid Ukraine Crisis
Four payment operators announce to suspend their payment services in Russia following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Coinbase Will Not Bar Russian Users Unless New Laws Requires: CEO Brian Armstrong
Coinbase CEO says the exchange will not ban Russian users, citing the fact that many citizens are not supportive of the decision of their president to go to war against Ukraine.