Importers' privileges + common people locked out, a familiar formula.

According to Bits.media, Russian Deputy Minister of Finance Chebeskov stated that the final version of the regulatory bill will retain the ban on transfers from Russian custodial wallets to non-custodial foreign wallets, while importers and other participants in foreign trade may benefit from looser regulations. After the bill takes effect, its impact will be assessed; in the future, non-custodial wallets may be allowed under an experimental mode. The final version will be ready next week, aiming to pass before the end of the spring session of Congress. The bill passed its first reading on April 21; starting July 1, Russians and companies will be able to purchase digital assets only through licensed intermediaries. Access to foreign platforms will require inclusion on the Central Bank’s list, and access to sanctioned exchanges is prohibited.