This U.S. initiative reflects a broader recognition of cryptocurrencies as valuable financial instruments, focusing on long-term management rather than immediate liquidation.

His views align with Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina, who has proposed a ban on cryptocurrency transactions between residents, limiting such activities to an experimental legal framework.

Katasonov also referenced El Salvador's aggressive Bitcoin purchasing strategy, which has faced scrutiny from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since its initiation in 2021.

In contrast, the Central Bank of Russia has officially ruled out the establishment of Bitcoin reserves, reaffirming its commitment to acquiring gold and Chinese yuan instead.

In early March 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile, aimed at managing seized digital assets.

However, despite rising interest in digital currencies, no country has successfully implemented a Bitcoin reserve to date, raising doubts about its practicality even in the U.S.

While the Central Bank has dismissed the idea, the finance ministry remains somewhat open to exploring riskier assets like cryptocurrencies in the future.

The finance ministry indicated that it might consider Bitcoin reserves if the National Welfare Fund's liquid assets reach 7-10% of Russia's GDP.

Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized the importance of prioritizing lower-risk assets to ensure economic stability amid ongoing sanctions and market fluctuations.

Katasonov likens the development of a Bitcoin reserve to 'laying landmines,' suggesting it could incite inflationary bubbles that may harm the economy.

Despite warnings about the risks, some Russian lawmakers express concern that failing to respond to U.S. Bitcoin strategies could lead to a loss of leadership in the crypto sector.

In this context, economist Katasonov has criticized the push for integrating cryptocurrencies into the official economic system, labeling proponents as 'fifth columnists' who threaten Russia's economic security.