Russia Reiterates Stance Against Cryptocurrency as Legal Tender
Russia's Financial Markets Committee Chairman Anatoly Aksakov has reaffirmed the country's position that cryptocurrencies will never be recognized as money within its borders. Speaking at a press conference, Aksakov emphasized that digital assets may only function as investment instruments, not as payment methods. 'If something is paid for, it can only be paid for in rubles,' he stated.
The declaration aligns with the Central Bank of Russia's longstanding opposition to crypto payments, despite Moscow's recent openness to using digital currencies in cross-border trade to circumvent sanctions. Governor Elvira Nabiullina previously confirmed this dual approach during parliamentary discussions, noting special provisions for international settlements while maintaining domestic restrictions.