Russian Crypto Rules: What You Can and Can't Do in 2025

When it comes to Russian crypto rules, the official stance on cryptocurrency in Russia is a confusing mix of bans, loopholes, and quiet acceptance. Also known as crypto regulation in Russia, this system lets you hold Bitcoin and mine Ethereum, but you can’t use them to buy coffee or pay your rent. The government doesn’t call it illegal—it just makes it nearly impossible to use crypto like money. This isn’t about shutting crypto down. It’s about controlling it.

Behind the scenes, digital ruble, Russia’s state-backed central bank digital currency. Also known as CBDC, it’s the real focus of Moscow’s digital finance plan. While private crypto is tolerated, the digital ruble is the future. Banks are required to support it. Businesses are being nudged to adopt it. And if you’re holding Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’re expected to report it for tax purposes—otherwise, you risk fines or worse. The crypto taxes Russia, a 13% income tax on crypto profits, applied when you sell or trade. Also known as crypto capital gains tax Russia, it’s enforced through bank reporting and crypto exchange data sharing. No one’s auditing every wallet, but if you cash out through a Russian bank, they’ll know.

And here’s the twist: crypto mining Russia, is one of the few legal and growing parts of the crypto scene. Also known as Bitcoin mining Russia, it’s booming because of cheap electricity in Siberia and remote regions. Big mining farms run on hydro and nuclear power, often with government approval. Some even get tax breaks. But if you try to send mined coins to a foreign exchange, you’re playing with fire—Russia restricts cross-border crypto transfers. You can mine, but you can’t easily cash out.

What about buying crypto? You can. You just can’t use it for payments. That’s why Russians use P2P platforms like LocalBitcoins or Telegram groups to trade rubles for Bitcoin. It’s not official, but it’s common. And because banks block crypto-related transactions, most people use cash or non-crypto payment apps to swap. The system is broken—but it works.

There’s no ban on holding. No ban on mining. Just a wall between crypto and real life. If you’re in Russia, you’re not fighting the system—you’re working around it. And if you’re outside Russia, watching how people adapt to these rules tells you more about crypto’s future than any policy paper ever could.

Below, you’ll find real stories, broken airdrops, and deep dives into how crypto actually functions under Russia’s strange rules. No fluff. Just what’s happening on the ground in 2025.