Key Takeaways:
- President Lukashenko urges Belarusian banks to expand crypto use to counteract economic fallout from Western sanctions.
- Crypto transactions via Belarusian exchanges could reach $3 billion in 2025, with rising adoption and state support.
- Belarus plans broader digital transformation, including instant payments, biometric tech, and AI-driven solutions.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is pushing for greater cryptocurrency adoption as the nation grapples with severe economic sanctions from the West.
Addressing Belarus’ central and commercial banks, Lukashenko urged a swift expansion of crypto usage and digital payment systems to counteract financial isolation.
JUST IN: 🇧🇾 Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko urges banks to expand crypto use amid sanctions.
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) September 10, 2025
Belarus is getting prepared 🚀 pic.twitter.com/WMDhphDAj5
He revealed that crypto transactions in Belarus have grown significantly, reaching $1.7 billion in the first seven months of the year, and may hit $3 billion by year-end.
Exchanges like Binance, OKX, and KuCoin are reportedly leading this surge.
Lukashenko also emphasized the need for instant payment infrastructure and QR code systems, with VTB Bank Belarus already making progress.
Alongside boosting crypto, he outlined goals for broader digital transformation, including biometric tech, AI-driven solutions, and a state-run IT firm to reduce foreign tech reliance.
Although Belarus legalized crypto activities in 2018, recent laws now restrict peer-to-peer transactions and require use of licensed exchanges.
Lukashenko’s push reflects a strategic pivot to digital assets and technology amid growing geopolitical and economic pressure, aiming to keep the economy functional despite international isolation.
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