Yesterday, at the 15th VTB Capital Investment Forum “Russia Calling” held in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin shared significant insights about the future of digital financial technologies, particularly Bitcoin. His statements reflect a notable shift in Russia’s approach to cryptocurrencies.
Who can Prohibit Bitcoin? No one!
This strong declaration by President Putin underscores an acknowledgment of the irreversible nature of blockchain technology. He emphasized that electronic payment methods will continue to develop as they meet fundamental human needs for cost optimization and enhanced transaction reliability.
These remarks go beyond merely recognizing technological trends—they highlight Russia’s broader financial strategy. Recently, Moscow has taken concrete steps to integrate digital currencies into its national financial system. For instance, President Putin signed a law officially recognizing digital currencies as legal assets for international transactions while exempting cryptocurrency mining and trading from VAT.
Amid ongoing Western sanctions, Russia views the promotion of cryptocurrency usage as a strategic measure to reduce reliance on the US dollar and the traditional financial system. Notably, after China imposed stricter regulations on cryptocurrency mining, Russia seized the opportunity to position itself as a key global hub for cryptocurrency mining.
Related: 10 Crypto Policies Promised by Trump After Election
It is evident that Russia perceives Bitcoin and other digital currencies not just as a wave of financial technological innovation but also as a strategic tool to enhance national financial sovereignty.
This is an irreversible trend.
President Putin’s statement reflects Russia’s commitment to harnessing the potential of new financial technologies, despite possible challenges that may arise in the future.
These moves by Russia hold significance not only for its domestic economy but also for the broader global financial landscape, especially as the world experiences a major shift in financial technology and geopolitical dynamics.