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.
I cannot believe this news. Russia was so strict with bitcoins before and in the end I will see an article telling me that Russia has a changed of heart. Well this is a very good news to the bitcoin community who are expecting a major price increase when the Russia will finally adopt bitcoin usage in their country. Even if they will set up restrictions, regulations on bitcoin it is not a bad news but more importantly is that Russia will accept bitcoin and we can really see bitcoins jumping to 2k$ in value this year.