The government's concerns about the crypto mining sector's high energy demands have prompted a temporary ban in key regions.

Some businesses have begun using crypto, including bitcoin, to make international payments, Russia's finance minister said.

"As part of the experimental regime, it is possible to use bitcoins, which we had mined here in Russia [in foreign trade transactions]," Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told the Russia-24 TV channel. "Such transactions are already occurring. We believe they should be expanded and developed further. I am confident this will happen next year."