A Rambler&Co survey shows limited public understanding of digital assets even as Russia moves to license crypto trading and storage platforms under a new legal framework.
Most surveyed Russians do not expect cryptocurrency to become useful even after Russia allows it under a new regulatory regime. The poll found 69% see no meaningful use case, while 52% say they are not using digital assets now and do not understand how legalization will affect their lives. Among those who do see potential uses, 8% plan to spend crypto on purchases from abroad, 6% want it for long-term investment and savings diversification, 4% would use it in business activities and 13% cited other purposes. The findings come as Russia advances its broadest crypto rulebook yet. The State Duma (lower house of parliament) has passed the bill "On Digital Currency and Digital Rights," which still requires approval from the Federation Council (upper house of parliament) and President Putin’s signature. After missing an original July 1 deadline, the main provisions are now expected to take effect on September 1, 2026, with additional texts due in 2027. The package is designed to regulate investment and trading activity, including the licensing of platforms for cryptocurrency exchange and storage. For the first time, ordinary Russians are set to gain legal access to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, though only the most liquid coins will be allowed and non-qualified investors will face an annual cap of less than $4,000. Even with those limits, 22% of respondents said regulation is still preferable, 20% said they had been waiting for a market with clear rules, and 6% became interested after passage of the bill. Respondents pointed to legal clarity and protection from risk as more important than simple access. The survey also suggests an information gap remains a major barrier. About 38% said they want "honest information" about cryptocurrency without promises of quick profits, 36% want clear laws and regulations, and 16% want authorized platforms to be reliable and easy to use with customer support. A further 54% said they know almost nothing about how crypto works, 23% said they lack enough information to understand it fully, 17% know only the basics and just 6% have prior experience. Still, 39% hope the new law will simplify digital-asset transactions, and 15% said they would then view crypto as a full-fledged alternative to traditional currencies, even though direct coin payments will remain banned. The poll was conducted from July 23 to 30 among more than 2,000 active internet users across Russia. Separately, another survey published at the end of July found 46% of Russians plan to use the digital ruble, a central bank digital currency (state-issued digital money), when it launches. The Bank of Russia is preparing to open its platform to the public next month, with the rollout beginning in stages from September 1.