Nikolai Nikiforov stated:
"Bitcoin is a foreign project for using blockchain technology, the Russian law will never consider bitcoin as a legal entity in the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation."
The article goes on to say:
"However, Nikiforov added that it is "quite possible" that Russia could consider using blockchain technology, as well as various digital tokens. However, he did not provide any context in which the technology might be utilized."Do you think we'll see other countries going down this route? Source:
https://www.coindesk.com/russia-will-never-consider-bitcoin-legalization-says-minister/Russia is a country known to be having many faces and mouths especially concerning cryptocurrency. I think the government has already spoken that they will allow Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but under strict regulations as they are careful that the platform not be used for illegal activities. The government is fully aware of the immense potential of Bitcoin to bring in new economic activities for the country and they know that many Russians are already into cryptocurrency long before the government have noticed of them.
Soon, there would be Bitcoin miners to transfer from China to Russia and this is a very good opportunity for the country to establish itself as one of the most influential mining countries. I believe that eventually Russia would soon be laying the red carpet for Bitcoin though in an environment where everybody have to toe the line as the government is serious in punishing rule infractions.