Russia’s Putin gives green light to Bitcoin mining legalization

As a seasoned crypto investor with a decade-long journey under my belt, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement as nations like Russia and El Salvador embrace Bitcoin adoption. It’s reminiscent of the early days of the internet, when governments were struggling to understand this new digital frontier.


After almost outlawing Bitcoin and BTC mining about two years ago, Russia has started to show a more welcoming attitude towards the foremost cryptocurrency.

Starting on August 8th, Russian President Vladimir Putin made it official that Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets can be mined legally in Russia through newly signed laws. From now on, a national registry will determine which individuals or entities are authorized to mine Bitcoin within the country.

Under Putin’s new crypto law, individuals with energy-efficient mining equipment are exempted from regulation when it comes to Bitcoin mining. As long as they stay below the government’s established electricity limit, Russian citizens can engage in Bitcoin mining. Furthermore, this law recognizes crucial infrastructure aspects such as mining pools and digital addresses, and allows participants in Russia to trade foreign virtual currencies using Russian blockchains.

The Russian Central Bank can restrict specific investments when the overall financial security is at risk.

After being signed off by Putin, the crypto regulations that were approved by the State Duma last month took effect. The Russian Federal Assembly’s lower house had previously endorsed the commencement of cryptocurrency mining as of November 1 this year.

On August 8th, there’s speculation that Putin signed a law regarding digital assets, marking a shift in Russia’s stance. This legislation empowers Russia’s central bank to investigate and develop the use of cryptocurrencies for international transactions.

According to reports, the law will take effect starting September 1, while El Salvador is seeking interactions with Russia regarding cryptocurrency transactions.

Nations race toward Bitcoin adoption

Global trends indicate a growing acceptance of Bitcoin, as evidenced by Russia’s recent change in stance on cryptocurrencies. Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the potential of digital currencies like Bitcoin and the underlying blockchain technology.

As a researcher, I am sharing that I personally observed President Nayib Bukele enacting a comprehensive national strategy in El Salvador aimed at fostering Bitcoin innovation, building up cryptocurrency reserves, recognizing Bitcoin as a legal tender, and encouraging Bitcoin mining activities.

The United States is nearing a significant turning point regarding Bitcoin and digital currencies. However, the pace and extent of this adoption could be influenced by the results of the upcoming November elections.

Major financial giants such as BlackRock and Fidelity provide legally sanctioned access to Bitcoin spot funds, while the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has given the green light for Ethereum-based exchange-traded funds.

Supporters argue that the suggested Bitcoin reserve, once advocated by former President Donald Trump and Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming, has the potential to further accelerate its adoption at an even faster pace.

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2024-08-08 21:16