Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Wednesday that after legislative adjustments allowed the use of Bitcoin and other digital currencies to counter Western sanctions, Russian companies have begun using these currencies in international payments. This year, Russia has allowed the use of cryptocurrencies in foreign trade and has taken steps to legalize cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin. Russia is one of the leading countries in global Bitcoin mining. Siluanov said, 'Such transactions are already taking place. We believe that such transactions should be further expanded and developed. I am confident that this will be the case next year.' He also added that digital currencies for international payments represent a future trend. (Jinshi)