Russia Eyes Digital Assets Amid Trade Shifts, Seeking Alternative Payment Channels

Facing global trade shifts fueled by U.S. tariffs and sanctions, Russia’s central bank is exploring the potential of digital assets. Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina highlighted this in her annual report to the Duma, emphasizing that these economic changes pose a significant risk. While acknowledging the uncertainty, she noted that Western sanctions haven’t significantly disrupted cross-border trade and Russia is actively developing alternative transaction channels such as cryptocurrencies. 1