Russian citizens face severe crypto exchange restrictions in 2025. Only the wealthy can legally trade. Most rely on risky P2P platforms and VPNs. Here's what works, what doesn't, and why the system is failing.
When banks block crypto transactions, people turn to P2P crypto Russia, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading that connects buyers and sellers directly, bypassing traditional financial gatekeepers. Also known as direct crypto trading, it’s how ordinary Russians keep access to Bitcoin and Ethereum despite strict banking rules. This isn’t theory—it’s daily life for thousands who use apps like LocalBitcoins, Paxful, and VK-based groups to trade cash for crypto without a middleman.
What makes P2P trading in Russia different? It’s not just about avoiding banks. It’s about survival. When Western payment processors pulled out after 2022, Russians didn’t stop trading—they adapted. Sellers now meet in person in cafes, use mobile top-ups, or even accept utility bill payments as proof of funds. The P2P exchanges, platforms that match buyers and sellers without holding funds became the new ATMs. And because Russia has no official crypto legal framework, these trades happen in a gray zone—no regulation, no insurance, no recourse if someone scams you.
That’s why the posts below focus on real risks and real workarounds. You’ll find deep dives into platforms that still work in Russia, how to spot fake escrow services, and why some traders lost everything because they trusted a stranger with a fake screenshot. You’ll also see how P2P trading connects to global trends—like how the ban on crypto mining in Sweden pushed hardware sellers to Russia, or how Algeria’s jail-time penalties for trading mirror the same fear-driven logic. This isn’t about speculation. It’s about understanding how people keep crypto alive when the system tries to shut it down.
Below, you’ll find honest reviews of platforms, warnings about scams, and clear breakdowns of what’s actually possible today. No fluff. No hype. Just what works—and what gets you locked up or robbed.
Russian citizens face severe crypto exchange restrictions in 2025. Only the wealthy can legally trade. Most rely on risky P2P platforms and VPNs. Here's what works, what doesn't, and why the system is failing.