Russia Authorizes Bitcoin for Foreign Trade in Major Policy Shift

TLDR

• Russia now allows Bitcoin use in international trade deals under new finance policy.
• Bitcoin rose to $108,500 after Russia’s approval for cross-border transactions.
• The move follows Russia’s 2024 crypto mining law for export-linked operations.
• Russia eyes Bitcoin to bypass SWIFT and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.

Russia has approved the use of Bitcoin for foreign trade, marking a major policy shift in its financial strategy. The move comes amid continued Western sanctions and growing interest in alternative payment methods. Russia’s Ministry of Finance confirmed the development, which allows Russian businesses to settle cross-border deals using Bitcoin. The news has already stirred market activity and raised new questions about the future of global trade systems.

Official Approval and Background

Russia’s Ministry of Finance officially announced that companies can now use Bitcoin for international trade. This decision was shared early on October 22, 2025, and was first reported by @peterizzo on platform X. The announcement was accompanied by official visuals of state officials, confirming the policy change.

The decision follows years of sanctions that have restricted Russia’s access to the global banking system, including the SWIFT network. The Ministry stated that Bitcoin may now serve as a foreign trade tool, offering businesses new flexibility in dealing with international partners. This policy is part of a broader effort to find alternatives to traditional currency systems.

Sanctions Pressure and Energy Strategy

Russia has faced extensive sanctions since 2014, which were intensified after the events of 2022. These restrictions have limited its access to global financial services and forced the country to explore new solutions. Bitcoin offers a decentralized way to conduct transactions, avoiding some of the restrictions imposed by foreign regulators.

The country also has a growing base of Bitcoin mining operations. Due to abundant energy resources, especially in Siberia, Russia has developed large-scale mining sites. This has allowed the country to build a steady supply of Bitcoin, which it can now use in cross-border deals. These exports may include oil, gas, metals, and technology products.

Market Reaction and International Response

Following the announcement, Bitcoin saw a price increase of 2.8 percent, reaching around $108,500 during mid-day trading in Europe. Traders reacted positively, expecting more countries to take similar steps in the future. The news sparked global discussion about the role of digital currencies in trade, especially among nations under financial restrictions.

Analysts noted that Russia’s move could push other BRICS nations to consider Bitcoin-based trade systems. China has already begun testing blockchain settlements using its Digital Yuan, while other sanctioned countries like Iran and Venezuela may view Bitcoin as an option. Some experts suggest this may accelerate the use of cryptocurrencies in official financial systems.

Shift in Legal Approach

Russia’s current policy reflects a sharp change from earlier positions. In 2021, the country banned crypto payments, stating they posed risks to the national economy. However, by 2023, Russia had started testing limited crypto use for exports under a controlled framework. That legal foundation helped pave the way for this full approval in 2025.

Exporters are now permitted to settle invoices in Bitcoin, especially in energy and raw materials sectors. This could simplify trade with countries wary of using U.S. dollars or euros. It also allows Russian companies to work with foreign firms that already use cryptocurrencies for payments.

Challenges and Next Steps

Despite the approval, concerns remain. Bitcoin’s price volatility may affect long-term contracts, and regulatory pressure from Western countries could increase. Authorities in the U.S. and Europe are expected to closely watch how Russian firms use digital assets in trade.

Experts expect the Russian government to introduce guidelines for transaction limits, taxation rules, and industry use. The Finance Ministry and the Bank of Russia have not yet released detailed instructions but are likely to do so in the coming weeks.

Russia’s decision adds a new layer to the ongoing shift in how nations manage cross-border trade and financial independence.

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