Belarus Reports Record $1.7 Billion in Crypto Payments
- Record $1.7 billion in crypto payments reached in Belarus.
- Driven by sanctions and state financial strategies.
- Potential $3 billion total by year-end forecasted.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced that cryptocurrency payments through local exchanges reached a record $1.7 billion in the first seven months of 2025, according to national sources.
The surge in cryptocurrency use underscores its growing importance for cross-border transactions amid international sanctions, with potential economic implications exceeding $3 billion by the end of the year.
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In a recent statement, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country’s external payments through crypto exchanges have hit a record $1.7 billion for the first seven months of 2025. Projections anticipate this figure reaching $3 billion by year-end. Lukashenko emphasized the growing role of cryptocurrencies, particularly under economic sanctions. He outlined directives for the National Bank of Belarus and commercial banks to support crypto’s expansion, sharpening the state’s focus on digital currencies’ integration.
Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, stated, “Today, more than ever, settlements using cryptocurrencies are being actively conducted, and their role in facilitating payments is increasing. Over seven months of this year, external payments through crypto exchanges amounted to $1.7 billion. According to expert estimates, by the end of the year it could reach $3 billion” – source
The substantial increase in cryptocurrency payments underscores shifts in Belarus’s financial strategies to bypass traditional banking constraints. This move is notably driven by international sanctions, pressuring industries to explore alternative settlement methods.
Belarus’s crypto policy adjustments reflect broader attempts to ensure financial liquidity amidst geopolitical challenges. Lukashenko’s administration is positioning itself as a crypto-friendly environment, signaling potential for increased international crypto activity.
Experts predict these initiatives could lead to a transformation in Belarus’s economic landscape, updating financial regulations to accommodate digital currencies. These actions are underpinned by historical policy shifts towards embracing crypto as a significant economic tool.
