“Russian companies have begun using bitcoin and other digital currencies for international payments following changes in legislation that allowed such transactions to counter Western sanctions.”, — write: epravda.com.ua
Russian companies have begun using Bitcoin and other digital currencies for international payments following changes in legislation that allowed such transactions to counter Western sanctions. This was reported by the Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation, Anton Siluanov, on Wednesday, Reuters writes. The sanctions have made it difficult for Russia to trade with major partners such as China and Turkey, as local banks are very cautious about dealings with Russia to avoid scrutiny from Western regulators. This year, Russia allowed the use of cryptocurrencies in foreign trade transactions and took steps to legalize the mining of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Russia is one of the world leaders in the field of Bitcoin mining.Advertisement: “As part of the experimental regime, it is possible to use Bitcoin, which we have mined here in Russia, for foreign trade operations,” Siluanov said. “Such transactions are already taking place. We believe that they should be expanded and developed. I am sure that this will happen next year,” he added, noting that international payments in digital currencies are the future. Earlier this month, Vladimir Putin said that the current US administration is undermining the US dollar’s role as a reserve currency by using it for political purposes, forcing many countries to turn to alternative assets.Advertisement: He cited Bitcoin as an example of such an asset, stressing that no one in the world cannot regulate bitcoin. Putin’s statements indicate that the Kremlin leader supports the widespread use of cryptocurrencies. Read also: Russia has legalized cryptocurrencies. Will it help circumvent Western sanctions? We will remind: the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted the law in the second and third readings, which legalizes cryptocurrency mining in Russia. Vladimir Putin signed a law on taxation of income and expenses from mining digital currency, as well as from its purchase and sale.