Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said the country has distinctive characteristics that allow it to benefit from bitcoin mining while its central bank last week called for a complete ban of the activity in the country as it worries cryptocurrencies could pose risks to its citizens.
Putin also asked the Bank of Russia to reach a consensus with the country’s Ministry of Finance, who on Tuesday discouraged a complete prohibition of bitcoin trading and mining in the country, citing how such a move could hurt Russia’s ability to compete in the technology sector.