Since the launch of Bitcoin in 2009, its legal status has been a subject of debate. Some countries have outright banned its use, while others have embraced it as a legal form of currency.
The legal status of Bitcoin in Russia has been a subject of debate since 2013.
In September 2017, the Russian Ministry of Finance announced its plans to regulate cryptocurrency trading in the country. The ministry proposed a ban on cryptocurrency exchanges and initial coin offerings (ICOs).
The ministry’s proposal was met with criticism from the Russian cryptocurrency community. In October 2017, a group of Russian entrepreneurs and developers launched an online petition against the ministry’s plans.
The petition gathered over 4,000 signatures.
In November 2017, the Russian Central Bank announced its plans to ban cryptocurrency payments. The bank’s governor, Elvira Nabiullina, said that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not “legal tender” and can not be used as payment for goods and services.
The central bank’s announcement was met with criticism from the Russian cryptocurrency community. In December 2017, a group of Russian entrepreneurs and developers launched an online petition against the central bank’s plans.
In January 2018, the Russian government announced its plans to legalize cryptocurrency trading on regulated exchanges. The government also said that it would develop a regulatory framework for ICOs.
The government’s announcement was met with positive reaction from the Russian cryptocurrency community. In February 2018, a group of Russian entrepreneurs and developers launched an online petition in support of the government’s plans.