Russia plans to develop Bitcoin mining and AI computing facilities within BRICS nations, aiming to inspire other countries to utilize state-owned resources for Bitcoin mining. Analyst Nico Smid stated that this initiative could trigger similar actions in nations like El Salvador and Ethiopia. The strategy came into focus after Russia's sovereign wealth fund partnered with BitRiver to create these facilities, potentially allowing BRICS countries to conduct global trade in Bitcoin, providing an alternative to traditional currencies. The alliance, which expanded to include several new nations in 2024, now boasts a combined GDP surpassing that of the G7 economies. Industry experts highlighted a pressing need for countries to evade perceived irresponsible U.S. fiscal policies. Concurrently, Russia's Bitcoin mining regulations are evolving, mandating miners to register and submit details about their operations, but challenges remain, including rising electricity costs and currency devaluation. This initiative is viewed as a geopolitical maneuver for Russia to enhance its influence amid decreasing U.S. support for these regions.

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