Russian lawmaker Anatoly Aksakov insists domestic payments remain in rubles, limits crypto to investments
On December 17, 2025, Russian lawmaker Anatoly Aksakov reiterated that all domestic payments in Russia must be settled exclusively in rubles. He emphasized that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum can be used only as investment tools and not as legal tender, in line with legislation adopted in 2020. While the Bank of Russia continues to oppose crypto as a payment or financial instrument, limited experimental use of digital assets is allowed for cross-border trade.