Bitcoin Forum

For the past two years, authorities in Russia have been adamant to ban the use of bitcoin in the country. But recent reports are suggesting that Russian officials are now softening against the popular digital currency.
A source familiar with the matter told Russian news agency Interfax that representatives of the country’s Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and government staff are seeking to abandon the idea of punishing whoever is caught involved in bitcoin operations in the country. According to the report, the group is planning to submit a recommendation to President Vladimir PRussia sings new tune on penalizing bitcoin useutin in the second half of August.
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federations has been very vocal in opposing digital currency in the country. In fact, ministry officials has been working on a draft law that will punish those who use bitcoins and engage cryptocurrency trade and mining activities. That bill, however, has met strong opposition even before reaching the lower chamber of the Russian Parliament.

http://calvinayre.com/2016/08/16/business/russia-sings-new-tune-on-penalizing-bitcoin-use/

I don't take any Russia-Bitcoin related news articles serious anymore. One day they are very hostile towards anyone using Bitcoin, while the next day they seem to be very open to it, and the day after that it's again bash Bitcoin day....

Yes. It's fucking tedious. And I wonder how much of it is true or not anyway. I think a lot of these crypto news sources take one passing comment and spin tale after tale out of it.

I think there is a power tussle going on behind the scenes, like some Russian leaders are for bitcoins while some are against it. Consequently, it looks like Russia has a hard time making up its mind.