Russia
Russian Minister Confirms Plans to Ban Bitcoin-to-Fiat Conversions
Russia's Deputy Finance Minister has confirmed the country's plans to penalise the conversion of cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin into the ruble.

Qiwi: Bitcoin Technology is 'Beyond' Russia's Proposed Ban
New details have emerged about Russian payments giant Qiwi's plans to issue its own cryptocurrency.

Russian Payments Firm Qiwi Seeks 'Bitruble' Trademark
A Russian payments firm is pushing ahead with its plan to release a cryptocurrency by submitting an application to register a trademark for it.

Russian Ministry Proposes Correctional Labor Penalty for Bitcoin Crimes
Russia's Ministry of Finance has developed a new version of its proposed law that would both outlaw and apply criminal penalties for bitcoin use.

Russia's Qiwi Proposes Commodity-Backed Bitcoin Alternative
A Russian payments company backing an idea for a digital currency has said that it could be backed by commodities.

Sberbank CEO Admits to Owning Bitcoin Amid 'BitRuble' Controversy
The CEO of Russian bank Sberbank has admitted to owning a "small amount of bitcoin", after an official branded a 'BitRuble' project "illegal".

Russian Official: Payment Giant Qiwi's Digital Currency Idea 'Illegal'
A Russian official is speaking out against plans by a leading domestic payment company to release a bitcoin alternative.

Russian Artist Makes Music Using Bitcoin Market Data
Check out this art technology installation that creates music using live bitcoin market data.

Russian Watchdog Threatens News Site Over Bitcoin Article
Russia's media watchdog has told Zuckerberg Pozvonit, a local tech news site, it must delete or edit a bitcoin-related article.

BitFury Investor: Leave the Blockchain to Me
Gleb Davidyuk has one simple piece of advice for fellow investors who are looking to back blockchain projects: don't.
