[Russia Passes Cryptocurrency Bill in First Reading, Central Bank to Lead Market Access] According to Cryptopolitan, the Russian State Duma has passed the 'On Digital Currency and Digital Rights' bill in its first reading, legalizing cryptocurrency in Russia. The Russian Central Bank will serve as the primary regulatory authority, responsible for issuing licenses, approving or prohibiting crypto transactions, and determining the legality of trades. Cryptocurrencies will be considered property but are prohibited from being used domestically for payments of goods and services. The ruble (including the digital ruble) will remain the sole legal tender. Businesses may use cryptocurrencies for foreign trade settlements under sanctions. The bill must be passed by July 1, 2026, by which time ordinary Russian citizens will be able to legally purchase digital assets through licensed intermediaries. Investors will be categorized into qualified and non-qualified groups, with non-qualified investors required to pass a test and adhere to an annual purchase limit (the Central Bank has proposed 300,000 rubles, approximately $4,000).