Russia is adopting a different attitude towards cryptos than China. President Putin has come public saying
"Bitcoin has value but it cannot be used in the Oil trade" I guess Putin didn't still fully grasp the real potential of cryptos as he says
“Cryptocurrency is not supported by anything as of yet. It may exist as a means of payment, but I think it’s too early to say about the oil trade in cryptocurrency.”
But even so, it shows that Russia seems to be adopting a friendly position facing cryptocurrency and it may be having some impact on the industry. Given that China adopted a harsh position towards cryptos, is it possible that miners are relocating from China to Russia? Is it possible for Russia to step up to occupy the former place China had in Bitcoin? I guess this is what is happening, otherwise, Putin wouldn't come public with such a neutral position.
That means Russia is open to bitcoin discussion and use bitcoin as medium of payment either local or international. Especially their president Vladimir Putin says something about bitcoin positively and that will have an impact to the market and its value.
For now, they aren't open yet about the oil trade using bitcoin but this can be the start for the Russian citizens to also use bitcoin.
And yes it is possible that the miners will be relocating to Russia.