Russian lawmaker Evgeny Masharov is pushing for stronger cryptocurrency regulation in Russia, highlighting the significant volume of crypto exchange traffic originating from the country. Masharov emphasized the urgency of enacting legislation to govern cryptocurrency circulation, proposing that all transactions on unlicensed platforms be deemed illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. According to DL News, Masharov believes this is vital to protect Russian citizens and the financial system. A representative from TRM Labs suggested that factors such as the weakening Ruble, capital controls implemented by the government, and international sanctions have contributed to the increased adoption and use of cryptocurrencies within Russia as citizens seek alternative financial avenues. Stricter regulations could significantly impact the accessibility and legality of cryptocurrency transactions for Russian users. ```