A landmark case before Russia’s Constitutional Court is set to determine if USDT, a popular stablecoin issued outside of Russia, should be recognized as property with enforceable ownership rights under the country’s legal framework. This decision has implications for citizens holding these digital assets across Russia and could impact how the country regulates cryptocurrencies. 2023 saw Dmitry Timchenko’s 1,000 USDT loan dispute lead to a lower court rejecting his claim due to stablecoins not being covered under existing regulations. This case is now before the highest court in the land, with Timchenko’s legal team arguing that the courts are unfairly restricting property rights for digital assets in this way. While Bitcoin and Ethereum have been previously recognized as property by criminal courts, the current debate revolves around whether stablecoins like USDT fall under this umbrella. Russian officials argued that stablecoins act as monetary substitutes and are not classified as digital financial assets (DFAs) under the current legislation. The Constitutional Court is also expected to address broader questions about the future of cryptocurrency regulations in Russia, which may significantly impact how these digital assets are handled by both individuals and institutions. This case arrives at a time when stablecoin markets are experiencing rapid growth, with figures reaching $303 billion in 2025. The potential implications of this ruling for cryptocurrencies are significant as the court’s decision will heavily influence Russia’s approach to stablecoins and their future use within its economy. Experts are now concerned about users facing increased risk due to the lack of legal protection, especially considering limited access to international financial systems. Russian policymakers have already indicated a desire to introduce stricter controls over unregulated crypto operations, suggesting that this court case may play a crucial role in these efforts.