Russia

WTI and Brent weakened as traders weighed diplomatic headlines, a sharp fall in gasoline futures and talk of a possible U.S. diesel export ban. Hormuz traffic remains deeply constrained, keeping a supply-risk floor under a market still testing key technical levels.

Natural gas pushed higher as hotter weather forecasts encouraged traders to price in stronger demand ahead of the EIA update. WTI and Brent oil also rallied, with diesel market stress, reserve data, and blocked supply routes shaping the latest move.

Natural gas is under pressure as traders expect milder weather to weigh on demand, with prices approaching key support. WTI and Brent are also losing ground as market participants price in the possibility of renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations and improved flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sberbank is preparing to expand its crypto backed lending program beyond bitcoin by accepting ether and Tether’s USDT as collateral once Russian regulators permit public circulation. The plan comes as Russia moves toward regulated crypto trading while stablecoin sanctions risk remains a key concern.

Binance reportedly provided Russian authorities with customer records later used in a terrorism-financing case against IT specialist Yuri Belenkiy. The exchange says it cooperates with lawful law enforcement requests while observing applicable legal, privacy and regulatory requirements.

Russia has imposed a long-running ban on crypto mining and mining pool participation in Moscow, the Moscow Region and parts of Kursk. The restrictions are aimed at reducing power-capacity risks as energy-intensive mining operations put pressure on regional grids.

Russian retailers reported a sharp increase in hardware crypto wallet sales as new rules for digital assets move closer. The surge highlights growing interest in self-custody, even as legal limits and device-security risks remain firmly in place.

Australian regulators have launched legal action against Telegram over allegations that the messaging platform failed to remove terror-related content, including material tied to extremist attacks. The case adds to mounting international scrutiny of Pavel Durov’s platform, which remains a major communications hub for crypto communities, trading groups, bots and blockchain-based mini apps.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to launch cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and a digital depository by Dec. 1 as Russia builds a more regulated market for digital assets. New rules for crypto trading, custody and settlement take effect Sept. 1, while requirements for licensed intermediaries begin from July 2027.

The European Union has widened its Russia sanctions to include crypto-linked payment infrastructure, unnamed service platforms and the A7A5 stablecoin. The package also introduces a tool that could allow Brussels to block transactions between EU operators and crypto providers used by Russia.

Russia’s State Duma has approved a comprehensive cryptocurrency framework that will regulate exchanges, depositories, mining and digital asset services. The law keeps domestic crypto payments banned but allows limited use of digital currencies in foreign trade and other specified transactions.

Sberbank is preparing a cryptocurrency wallet and digital depository for its main banking and investment platforms, with a launch targeted by December. The plan follows Russia’s move toward a licensing framework for crypto trading, custody, digital-to-fiat exchange and cross-border settlements.

Russia is set to begin trials for cross-border cryptocurrency payments, as part of a broader 'de-dollarization' strategy. This trial, overseen by the Central Bank of Russia, aims to create an alternative payment system for international trade, circumventing the financial restrictions imposed by Western sanctions.