In a significant policy shift, Russia’s central bank has acknowledged that Bitcoin mining is contributing to the strength of the national currency, the ruble. Governor Elvira Nabiullina cited mining as a factor supporting the currency, though she noted its full impact is hard to measure due to reporting gaps.
about Russia's Central Bank Links Bitcoin Mining to Ruble StrengthRussian Ruble
0 posts last weekUK Seizes $32M in Russian Money Laundering Crackdown
A major UK-led operation targeting Russian sanctions evasion has resulted in 128 arrests and the seizure of $32.6 million in cash and cryptocurrency. The National Crime Agency revealed that Russian-linked money laundering networks operate in at least 28 British towns and cities, using sophisticated methods to convert illicit cash into crypto to finance organized crime and Russian military operations in Ukraine.
about UK Seizes $32M in Russian Money Laundering CrackdownEU Targets Russian Stablecoin A7A5 in New Sanctions
The European Union is preparing to impose comprehensive sanctions against A7A5, the world’s largest non-US dollar pegged stablecoin backed by Russian rubles, marking a significant escalation in the bloc’s efforts to close financial loopholes used by sanctioned entities. According to Bloomberg reports, the proposed measures would prohibit EU organizations and individuals from any direct or indirect dealings with the token, while multiple banks across Russia, Belarus and Central Asia face scrutiny for allegedly enabling crypto transactions that bypass existing restrictions.
about EU Targets Russian Stablecoin A7A5 in New SanctionsRuble-Backed A7A5 Stablecoin Surges 250%, Hits $500M Market Cap
The Russian ruble-backed stablecoin A7A5 has defied international sanctions and regulatory scrutiny to become the world’s largest non-US dollar stablecoin, surging an astonishing 250% in a single day to reach a $500 million market capitalization. This remarkable ascent has positioned the Kyrgyzstan-issued cryptocurrency to capture nearly half of the entire non-dollar stablecoin market, demonstrating the resilience of national digital currencies amid escalating geopolitical tensions and challenging the dominance of traditional financial systems.
about Ruble-Backed A7A5 Stablecoin Surges 250%, Hits $500M Market CapLeak Reveals $8B Crypto Network for Sanctions Evasion
Leaked documents have exposed a sophisticated cryptocurrency network allegedly processing $8 billion in stablecoin transactions to evade Western sanctions and influence Moldovan elections. The A7 network, tied to Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor and partially owned by Russia’s state-owned Promsvyazbank, represents a chilling evolution in how crypto is being weaponized for geopolitical purposes, according to blockchain forensics firm Elliptic.
about Leak Reveals $8B Crypto Network for Sanctions EvasionBelarus Boosts Crypto Use to Evade $3B Sanctions
Belarus is accelerating its adoption of cryptocurrency and digital assets as a strategic response to Western sanctions. President Lukashenko revealed that the country has processed $1.7 billion in crypto-based external payments in the first seven months of 2024, with projections reaching $3 billion by year-end. He emphasized tokenization’s potential to reduce intermediaries, automate transactions via smart contracts, and enhance user control. This development parallels patterns in other Moscow-aligned states like Kyrgyzstan, where Russian entities have used crypto platforms to evade sanctions, with volumes reaching $4.2 billion by mid-2024. The EU’s sanctions against Belarus, extended until 2026, target 310 individuals and 46 entities in response to the country’s repression and support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.
about Belarus Boosts Crypto Use to Evade $3B SanctionsBelarus Tightens Crypto Rules to Protect Economy
President Lukashenko has criticized his government for delayed implementation of comprehensive crypto regulations originally ordered in 2023. A recent state audit found approximately half of citizen investments sent to foreign crypto platforms never return, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities. The President called for transparent rules to keep funds within Belarus while maintaining the country’s status as a ‘digital haven’ for legitimate businesses. Current regulations under the Hi-Tech Park’s Ordinance No. 8 are deemed insufficient, with traditional state agencies expected to take greater oversight role. The government is also developing a central bank digital currency tied to the Russian ruble, though no timeline for new regulations has been announced despite the President’s urgent demands for action.
about Belarus Tightens Crypto Rules to Protect EconomyRussian Ruble-Backed Stablecoin A7A5 Fuels $9.3B Transactions
A7A5, a Russian ruble-backed stablecoin launched in Kyrgyzstan in February, has been involved in $9.3 billion worth of transactions on Grinex, a crypto exchange widely viewed as the successor to the sanctioned Garantex platform. Grinex has denied ties to Garantex, but reports suggest it credited balances for Garantex users, who faced a $27 million USDT freeze by Tether in March. The emergence of A7A5 highlights the growing use of stablecoins in circumventing financial sanctions, drawing scrutiny from regulators and traditional financial institutions.
about Russian Ruble-Backed Stablecoin A7A5 Fuels $9.3B TransactionsMoscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified Investors
The Moscow Exchange has begun offering Bitcoin futures contracts, a major development in Russia’s gradual acceptance of cryptocurrencies. These contracts track the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF and are priced in USD but settled in rubles, allowing local traders to speculate on Bitcoin without using foreign platforms. Only qualified investors, such as large banks and funds, can participate, with the first batch expiring in September 2025. The Bank of Russia approved these products in May 2025 but maintains a cautious stance, warning against direct crypto dealings. Meanwhile, Sberbank is preparing Bitcoin-linked bonds for select clients, further expanding Russia’s crypto-linked financial offerings while keeping transactions domestic.
about Moscow Exchange Launches Bitcoin Futures for Qualified InvestorsRipple XRP Surges to Three Dollars Triggering Major Short Liquidations
Ripple’s XRP surged over 35% to $3, triggering nearly $57 million in short liquidations within four hours, as the crypto market reacted positively to Donald Trump’s announcement of a crypto reserve including XRP, SOL, and ADA. This rally contributed to a total liquidation of over $630 million for the day, predominantly from short positions. Despite the volatility, XRP has reclaimed its position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, rising 45% since its low of $1.95.
about Ripple XRP Surges to Three Dollars Triggering Major Short LiquidationsEuropean Markets Decline Amid Tariff Threats and Industry Consolidation Insights
European stock markets closed lower, with the CAC 40 down 0.51% and the DAX down 1.2%, while the FTSE 100 rose 0.28%. Telefónica’s chairman anticipates market consolidation in the telecom sector, and Wienerberger’s CEO called for urgent infrastructure improvements. Swiss Re reported a rise in net income and plans to reassess risks from California wildfires, while the London Stock Exchange sees an improving IPO pipeline despite a subdued global market.
about European Markets Decline Amid Tariff Threats and Industry Consolidation InsightsRussia Delays Digital Ruble Launch Indefinitely Extending Pilot Phase for Refinement
Russia’s central bank has indefinitely postponed the full-scale launch of its digital ruble, extending the pilot phase initially started in August 2023. The delay aims to refine technical aspects and allow banks to develop appealing economic models, with a new launch date yet to be announced. Governor Elvira Nabiullina emphasized the importance of ensuring the digital ruble benefits all stakeholders, predicting its integration into daily transactions by 2031.
about Russia Delays Digital Ruble Launch Indefinitely Extending Pilot Phase for Refinement