Russia’s MOEX and SPB Exchanges to Launch Crypto Trading in 2026

The assessment is "likely_true" with high confidence based on a consistent and logical connection between multiple relevant sources. The evidence can be broken down into two key parts corresponding to the statement's claims:1. **The Exchanges' Intent and Readiness (The 'Who' and 'What'):** Multiple sources with medium to high relevance confirm that Russia's top exchanges, MOEX and SPB, are technically prepared and have expressed their readiness to launch cryptocurrency trading. One source explicitly notes their support for the Central Bank's proposed crypto regulatory framework, indicating their active involvement and intent to participate once legally permitted. This strongly supports the first half of the statement.2. **The Timeline (The 'When'):** Several sources, including a highly relevant one from Yahoo Finance, establish that the Bank of Russia is targeting 2026 to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework that would legally recognize cryptocurrencies. Another highly relevant source explicitly calls these 2026 laws the "necessary regulatory precursor for the exchanges to launch trading."**Synthesis:** While no single source states, "MOEX and SPB will launch trading in 2026," the combined evidence creates a compelling and coherent narrative. The exchanges are ready and waiting for regulatory approval, and the timeline for that approval is set for 2026. Therefore, it is highly probable that the launch is planned for that year, contingent on the regulatory framework being implemented as scheduled. The sources are consistent, and there is no conflicting evidence among the relevant materials. Irrelevant sources concerning EU sanctions and the separate topic of a digital ruble (CBDC) were correctly disregarded.