Belarus Tightens Crypto Controls as Russia Charts Divergent Path

Belarus has enacted one of Eastern Europe's most restrictive crypto policies, banning individuals from using foreign exchanges through a presidential decree. The move forces all digital asset trading onto state-approved platforms within the High Technology Park (HTP), effectively ending peer-to-peer transactions. Officials frame the measure as consumer protection against capital flight.

Meanwhile, Russia appears to be leveraging crypto as a sanctions workaround. With traditional banking channels constrained, Moscow has embraced blockchain-based settlements. The A7 payment network—whose rouble-backed stablecoin has processed significant volume—recently received public endorsement from President Vladimir Putin.

The policy divergence highlights crypto's dual role in geopolitics: as a control mechanism for authoritarian regimes and a financial lifeline for sanctioned economies. Market observers note Belarus' approach mirrors China's containment strategy, while Russia's stance increasingly resembles Iran's pragmatic adoption.