Sanctioned Russia turns to BTC, ETH & USDT for global oil trade with China, India

• Russia is using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether for oil trade with China and India to bypass U.S. and EU sanctions.  
• Cryptocurrencies facilitate faster transactions and reduce reliance on traditional banking systems.  
• The U.S. is considering additional sanctions, but Russia’s crypto-driven trade continues to grow. 

Russia is using crypto to bypass Western sanctions , Reuters has reported. Facing mounting economic pressure, Russia has turned to BTC, ETH, USDT for its oil trade with China and India. This allows for faster cross-border transactions outside the reach of Western banking restrictions. 

Using these cryptos, Russian firms are converting Chinese yuan and Indian rupees into rubles, keeping their financial operations running smoothly. Even though this is still a fraction of Russia’s $192 billion annual oil trade, the strategic shift is picking up speed.  

Russia Embraces Crypto with New Laws

And it’s not just about dodging sanctions. Russia’s attitude towards digital assets, on the whole, has shifted, as evidenced by two recent cryptocurrency bills. The first law, effective since November 1, 2024, fully legalized crypto mining in Russia. 

Related: Russia Supreme Court Moves to Classify Crypto as ‘Property’ in Crime Crackdown

The second law, effective from September 1, 2024, introduced an experimental regime allowing the Bank of Russia to oversee cross-border settlements and exchange trading in digital currencies. Taken together, these laws signal a serious commitment to incorporating digital currencies into its economic strategy.

Sanctioned Nations Turn to Crypto

Russia isn’t alone. Other sanctioned nations like Iran and Venezuela have also turned to digital assets to sustain economic activity. Unlike traditional financial channels, cryptocurrencies provide a decentralized, censorship-resistant payment method that operates outside of regulatory oversight. A Kremlin advisor noted that USDT-based transactions are just one of several methods Russia is exploring to maintain global trade flows.  

Related: Russia Cryptocurrency Regulations 2024: The Ultimate Guide

This trend highlights a major shift in international finance, where digital currencies are becoming a preferred medium for sanctioned entities. As Western authorities attempt to crack down—evidenced by Tether blocking wallets linked to Russia’s Garantex exchange—crypto remains a flexible tool not only for avoiding economic restrictions but also for its efficiency and speed.  

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent moves with Russia have drawn international attention. While there are reports of lifting certain sanctions, imposing new restrictions are also on the table. Industry observers note that even if sanctions were lifted, sources believe Russia would continue using crypto because of its effectiveness.