Russia Crypto Legalization Moves Forward Under 2026 Plan

Russia is taking a huge step in trying to regulate cryptocurrency. There have been a lot of recent announcements around Russia’s crypto legalization move. It seems that the country’s bank and the lawmakers are confirming on using Bitcoin and other digital assets in a legal way soon. However it is made clear that it won’t take over the Ruble, but is still aimed to become a key change for Russia.

RUSSIA'S CENTRAL BANK ANNOUNCES TO LEGALIZE #BITCOIN AND CRYPTO FOR 140,000,000 CITIZENS

IT'S COMING 🚀 pic.twitter.com/d2hz9uv9Pb

— The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) January 19, 2026

For so many years the country was in a debate with crypto use. A lot of people owned it but they could not use it freely for important things. But in December 2025 Russia’s Central Bank proposed a regulatory framework. It stated to make the use of crypto legal since it got harder for regular banking after sanctions.

Russia’s Policy Shift

Russian officials say that millions of citizens are already using crypto. A lot of the people are holding it as an investment while the others use it for things like international transfers. Due to this, the government does not want to ignore what the market is doing. Instead it is placing clear rules so it can be more widely used in the right way.

The central bank and the finance ministry are planning correct laws to make the use of crypto in Russia seamless. By making crypto a legal financial asset, people can buy and sell it in a regulated way and attract more benefits too.

Limits on Russia’s Crypto Use

It is clear that crypto will not become legal tender in Russia. The citizens will still have to use the ruble for daily expenses and shops won’t be accepting any cryptocurrencies. However, it will be more legally recognized within the country as a good investment tool. This makes the users feel safer and have more trust in crypto. At the same time, allowing the government to keep an eye on the market activity to prevent any illegal use.

Impact on Russian Investors

Russia has around 140 million citizens and most of them already use crypto, even without proper laws. This regulation could help those citizens to further use crypto and give a sense of safety to new comers. Clear laws can also help reduce any fear or confusion that people might have and also reduce scams. 

At the same time, stricter rules can limit freedom and the government can set caps or ask for registration. These things can help keep the new crypto space safe and trusted for use and boost Russia’s crypto legalization.