Only a year ago Russias Finance Ministry was threatening jail time to anyone using digital currencies.
In a major U-turn, its now edging closer to their acceptance as a legitimate financial instrument to open a new line of attack on money laundering.
The authorities hope to recognize bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2018 as they seek to enforce rules against illegal transfers, Deputy Finance Minister Alexey Moiseev said in an interview. The central bank is developing a joint position together with the government on digital currencies, according to its press service.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-10/russia-caves-in-on-bitcoin-to-open-new-front-on-money-laundering
I'm not sure If I should be happy or sad since they are planning to Legalize bitcoin but in the same time, tracking transactions. I'm not entirely sure on how they plan to do it though and how It could be possible unless they are planning to run their own exchanges. I believe that Russians will need TumbleBit whenever this will happen.
At first,china tried to ban bitcoin.When they realized they cant,they just took a U turn and started regulating bitcoin transactions.Same is the case with russia.Now they have also decided to regulate bitcoins.It would definitely give positive effect on bitcoins world wide since two big countries have indirectly accepted bitcoin as a currency or an asset.But only russian bitcoin holders have to be cautious here after.