# Behind Russia’s Crypto Enthusiasm, a ‘Serious Foreign-Currency Shortage’ Emerges

https://mins.news/en/item/12553

- Toyo Keizai, 2026-08-03 21:40 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/953177?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=http&utm_campaign=link_back

> As Western economic sanctions intensify, Russia is seeking a way forward for trade settlements through the use of its own stablecoin. The backdrop appears to be a serious shortage of foreign currency. The central bank has also been selling gold, while the use of dollar-denominated stablecoins is raising new warning signs. The developments point to mounting pressure on Russia’s external-payment options.