Only national crypto-exchanges? The time of disparagement and mockery is truly behind Bitcoin (BTC), as today, cryptocurrency has become a political and geopolitical issue for states. This time, it is in Belarus that the authorities seek to centralize and monitor the market for crypto-assets, officially to prevent fraud and capital flight. Indeed, the country of Alexander Lukashenko has just prohibited the purchase and sale of digital assets on foreign exchanges and brokers.
Key points of this article:
Belarus has banned the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies through foreign exchange platforms.
International cryptocurrency exchanges have been blocked, leaving only legal national platforms (and DEX) for transactions.
Belarus bans using foreign cryptocurrency exchanges.
As reported by several media outlets on December 11, 2025, the Republic of Belarus has recently tightened its regulations on cryptocurrencies by banning individuals from buying and selling digital assets through foreign platforms.
The decree, signed by President Alexander Lukashenko, applies to individuals and businesses residing in the High Technology Park (HTP), a special economic zone in the heart of Minsk, the Belarusian capital, which is dedicated to technological development.
This decision officially aims to protect consumers and prevent the use of cryptocurrencies in illegal activities. Belarusian authorities believe this ban will help prevent the outflow of stolen funds through exchange platforms.
VPN and DEX as the only pathways to national platforms?
Specifically, cryptocurrency exchanges like Bybit, OKX, or Bitget have seen their website access blocked for Belarusian IP addresses. With the use of a VPN (virtual private network) as the only risky means of circumvention.
Only national exchange platforms and brokers now allow for legal buying or selling transactions of cryptocurrencies, although the particular case of DEX (decentralized exchanges) is not mentioned.
In any case, the resistance to censorship that decentralized blockchains inherited from Bitcoin allows, technically, for exchange transactions via its DEX. The question will therefore mainly be about an exit (or entry) in fiat currency for citizens and businesses in Belarus. This is where this lockdown directing towards national CEX (centralized exchanges) will be felt the most.
While Belarus adopts a very strict approach, neighboring Russia seems to hesitate between openness and caution. The fact that the Slavic country has become a giant in Bitcoin mining, however, helps to consider cryptocurrencies as an 'important' source of income, according to Maxim Oreshkin, economic advisor and deputy chief of staff to President Vladimir Putin.
