Russia’s Crypto Plans: Blockchains, Bans, and a Whole Lot of Confusion!

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So, get this: Russia is gearing up to play the ultimate game of “Keep Away” with global crypto exchanges this summer! That’s right, folks, they’re not just planning a little regulatory framework; they’re basically building an impenetrable fortress around their digital money scene. Move over, Bitcoin-hello, Ruble-mania!

Russia To Restrict Foreign Crypto Exchanges

According to our trusty experts (who definitely know more than we do), it looks like by summer 2026, Russia will be throwing up some pretty serious roadblocks for foreign crypto exchanges. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any more dramatic-lawmakers are working on a shiny new domestic framework that’s supposed to bring all that shady business into the light. Or at least, the dim glow of a very specific Russian bulb.

Local news outlet RBC Crypto reports that authorities are all set to start blocking overseas exchanges-because, you know, nothing says “freedom” like restricting people’s options! It’s a bit like when your mom told you not to hang out with those “bad influences” in high school. Spoiler alert: the bad influence was probably just a kid with an Xbox.

Nikita Zuborev, a senior analyst (and possibly a psychic) at Bestchange.ru, claims that once the domestic market gets its new regulatory outfit, we can expect the government to unleash a barrage against major competitors. He’s practically saying it’s going to be a scene straight out of a superhero movie, only instead of capes, everyone will be wearing suits and blaming the Internet.

“We expect that Roskomnadzor may begin mass blocking of websites of crypto exchanges and large exchangers not registered in Russia as early as this summer,” he said. So, basically, if you’re planning on trading crypto, you might want to book a ticket to the nearest underground bunker.

But wait, there’s more! Zuborev warns that if global exchanges can’t play nice and get licensed, we might see a surge in underground trading-much like your high school’s secret prom after-party. Only this time, it’s a lot less fun and a lot more fraud and shady fees!

Now, Dmitry Machikhin, who sounds like he should be leading a spy mission, thinks we might end up with a “Belarusian scenario.” You know, where only certain companies can play with the big kids, while regular folks are stuck watching from the sidelines. It’s like being at a party where you’re not allowed to touch the snacks.

“It’s impossible to completely restrict operations,” Machikhin said, pointing out that even Binance still has over a million Russian users despite their exit. So, yeah, trying to ban transactions is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands-good luck with that!

EU Explores Broader Sanctions

Meanwhile, Ignat Likhunov, founder of Cartesius law agency (which sounds way cooler than it probably is), agrees with the other smart cookies. “Blocking measures are being prepared in parallel with the creation of a ‘white’ zone,” he said, which honestly sounds like something out of a dystopian novel. Someone call George Orwell!

But here’s the kicker: foreign exchanges aren’t exactly shaking in their boots over Russian legislation. Why? Because they don’t have to! It’s like being told you can’t have dessert at dinner, but you’re already at your friend’s house chowing down on cake. LOL!

And let’s not forget the EU! They’re busy brainstorming ways to slap sanctions on all crypto transactions linked to Russia. Because what’s more fun than coming up with new rules that make life harder for everyone involved? It’s like they’re playing Monopoly and decided to add a “no trades” rule just to spice things up.

Legal documents show that the Commission is proposing a broader prohibition to stop those pesky Russian crypto entities from popping up like weeds. They want to crush any successors to Garantex like it’s a bad habit-just like I’m trying to crush my late-night snack cravings!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, they’re also looking to add 20 banks to the sanctioned list. Because if you’re going to throw a party, you might as well invite all the worst guests!

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2026-02-19 13:23