The Central Bank of Russia signaled that foreign crypto platforms can operate if they set up locally registered subsidiaries and comply with national rules. Under the forthcoming framework, transactions must go through regulated intermediaries, with administrative liability for using unlicensed services from July 1, 2027. First regulated crypto trades are expected by the end of 2026.

On February 20 2026, Russia’s Federal Tax Service initiated bankruptcy proceedings against BitRiver-B, a BitRiver subsidiary behind a 100 MW data center project in Buryatia that never went live. The group had invested 1.4 billion rubles (over $18 million) in the facility but was hit by expanding regional mining restrictions, a subsequent five-year Bitcoin mining ban in Buryatia, mounting lawsuits, and tax evasion accusations against its founder. The failed investment is seen as a major factor in BitRiver’s broader operational and financial troubles across Russia.

Russia is preparing to limit access to overseas cryptocurrency exchanges in 2026, with lawmakers aiming to adopt domestic rules for investment and exchange by July 1. Analysts say blocks could follow once local licenses are issued, potentially affecting platforms such as Bybit and OKX, while one estimate puts foreign-exchange fees from Russian users at $15 billion.

On February 14, 2026, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said BRICS members are working on a dedicated exchange for precious metals alongside a grain market initiative. The plan emerges after gold prices surged above $5,600 in January, dropped toward $4,600 in early February, then moved back over $5,000 amid heightened volatility. BRICS officials also highlight broader efforts to reduce exposure to U.S. pressure through alternative platforms, digital systems, and greater use of national currencies.

President Karol Nawrocki issued a second veto of Poland's Crypto‑Asset Market Act and returned the draft to parliament on Thursday. The bill, intended to transpose MiCA, would grant the KNF broad oversight and introduce criminal liability, including fines up to 10 million złoty ($2.8 million), while the regulator warned platforms could become illegal on July 1 without passage.

Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov estimates that Russia's daily cryptocurrency transaction volume has reached roughly 50 billion rubles, with millions of citizens involved and usage steadily rising. A draft law to regulate this activity is expected to be finalized within weeks and submitted to the State Duma in March, with authorities aiming for adoption during the spring session so market participants can prepare for licensing and compliance.

On February 13, 2026, First Deputy Chairman Vladimir Chistyukhin said the Bank of Russia will reassess its stance on fiat‑pegged coins and launch a study this year on a potential ruble stablecoin. The review follows growing sanctions pressure and the rise of the Kyrgyz‑issued A7A5, which handled over $100 billion in its first year and has a capitalization above $500 million.

Russian authorities have approved a finance ministry concept to tokenize real-world assets such as company shares, securities and ownership rights, with an initial pilot focused on property and intellectual property. The move is unfolding alongside a separate regulatory framework under review that would classify cryptocurrencies and stablecoins as currency assets and expand access for different categories of investors by July 1 2026.

On February 10, 2026, the Russian State Duma approved a law that sets out procedures for seizing and confiscating cryptocurrency in criminal proceedings. The legislation, which amends the Criminal Code and the Criminal Procedural Code, classifies digital currencies such as Bitcoin as property and details how investigators can gain control over wallets and storage devices. The new rules precede broader regulations for other crypto-related activities expected to take effect in Russia by July 1.