Russia


Opinion

Why Russia Isn’t Relying on Crypto to Evade Sanctions

Yes, crypto has limitations. But the traditional banking system is a more attractive place for money laundering regardless.

(Egor Filin/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Videos

Binance’s Bid to Buy Voyager's Assets Complicated by National Security Concern: Sources

Binance’s attempt to purchase bankrupt lender Voyager Digital’s assets has been complicated by concerns the U.S. government would reject the transaction, according to sources. Plus, a closer look at why some U.S. and EU miners are staying put in Russia despite the war and sanctions.

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Layer 2

Crypto Miners From US, EU Stay Put in Russia Despite War, Sanctions

The war in Ukraine may have undermined many Russian companies, but not mining facilities: Clients from the West keep coming to the country for cheap power and reliable uptime.

A MEATEC mining facility in Russia (MEATEC)

Policy

US Treasury Sanctions Russian Paramilitary Group Crowdfunding Ukraine War With Crypto

“Task Force Rusich” raised thousands of dollars in crypto to resupply soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

An image from a Telegram group linked to the sanctioned entities. (Telegram/@rusichdshrg)

Finance

Russian Millionaire’s Startup Plans Ruble Stablecoin Following DAI Model

The firm founded by Russian ex-banker Alexander Lebedev plans to introduce the coin on the Ethereum blockchain.

Alexander Lebedev in his Moscow office

Finance

Vitalik Buterin Makes Surprise Appearance at Kyiv Tech Summit in Show of Support for Ukraine

The Ethereum co-founder, who was born in Russia, made time for the visit as his Ethereum blockchain is days away from the major overhaul known as the Merge.

From left To right: Rev Miller, Atlantis World co-founder; Alex Bornyakov, Ukraine’s deputy minister for Digital Transformation, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin 
(Kyiv Tech Summit)

Videos

Russia Reportedly Exploring Stablecoin Settlements; Poolin Suspends Withdrawals From Wallet Service

Russia is talking to several friendly countries about launching clearing platforms for cross-border settlements in stablecoins, according to a report from Russian news agency Tass. Bitcoin mining pool PoolinWallet is suspending all withdrawals as it tries to preserve assets and stabilize liquidity. Bitcoin may see another meteoric rally once the dormant supply metric has peaked.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Policy

Russia Exploring Stablecoin Settlements With Friendly Nations: Report

President Vladimir Putin had signed a law banning digital payments earlier this summer.

The State Duma, the Parliament building of the Russian Federation (Getty Images)

Policy

UK Crypto Firms Must Now Report Sanctions Breaches, Freeze Accounts

The U.S. and European Union have also extended sanctions rules to crypto since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave way to heightened concerns over the use of digital assets to circumvent restrictions.

The U.K. Treasury has ordered crypto companies to report suspected sanctions violations. (Getty Images)

Videos

Binance Froze a Wallet Related to Russian Gun Manufacturer

Crypto exchange Binance froze a wallet related to Vladislav Lobaev, a Russian gun manufacturer who raised funds for the country's troops in Ukraine, according to a Lobaev representative and blockchain data analysis. "The Hash" panel discusses the details.

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