Russia’s State Duma passed a crypto bill in its first reading that would define digital assets as property while maintaining a ban on domestic cryptocurrency payments. The proposal would allow crypto use in foreign trade and could take effect on July 1, 2026, if it clears further readings and receives presidential approval. This adds to the broader legislative push to regulate digital currency activity under official oversight, alongside previously reported provisions for Bank of Russia-licensed intermediaries, retail purchase limits, and a future ban on unlicensed platforms.