Russian lawmaker proposes strategic Bitcoin reserve to counter geopolitical challenges

A member of Russia’s State Duma has proposed the creation of a national Bitcoin (BTC) reserve, positioning the crypto as a tool to counter economic sanctions and ensure financial stability, local media reported on Dec. 9.

The proposal, introduced by Anton Tkachev of the Novye Lyudi party, reflects a growing interest in leveraging digital assets amid restricted access to global financial systems. It comes days after President Vladimir Putin made positive comments about Bitcoin during a conference, calling it an unstoppable technology.

In a formal appeal to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Tkachev suggested establishing a Bitcoin reserve akin to traditional foreign currency reserves. He argued that cryptocurrencies offer a unique advantage in mitigating risks associated with sanctions, inflation, and currency volatility.

Tkachev reported stated in his appeal:

“With limited access to international payment systems, cryptocurrencies represent one of the few viable options for global trade under current conditions.”

Tkachev pointed to Bitcoin’s rising valuation, noting its December 2024 price of $100,000 as evidence of its reliability as both a store of value and an investment. While Bitcoin is currently trading around the $97,000 level, it has demonstrated significant resilience and potential for growth, peaking above $103,000 earlier in the month.

The proposal aligns with the Central Bank of Russia’s broader initiatives to integrate digital assets into international payment systems. Tkachev emphasized the importance of developing modern solutions to manage economic challenges, highlighting Bitcoin’s decentralized nature as a safeguard against external financial pressures.

The news comes amid heightened interest in nation-states adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset for their treasuries. The movement has gained steam in the US in recent months, especially following President Donald Trump’s election win.

The federal US government, as well as multiple states, have initiated legislation to create strategic Bitcoin reserves. However, the plans are still in their early stages.

Establishing a national Bitcoin reserve would require policy reforms and collaboration among Russian financial authorities, including the country’s central bank.

If implemented, the initiative could position Russia as a pioneer in adopting cryptocurrencies for national financial strategy. Observers suggest that this move might inspire other sanctioned nations to explore similar avenues to maintain economic stability.

Analysts believe the proposal highlights the shifting role of digital assets in global finance as governments increasingly recognize crypto as an alternative to traditional reserve mechanisms. However, significant regulatory and logistical barriers remain before such a strategy can take shape.

Russia’s Finance Ministry and central bank have yet to issue an official response, but the proposal has already sparked discussions about the evolving role of Bitcoin in geopolitics and international trade.

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