Bitcoins are not taxed, and it is almost impossible to control their turnover.
The National Bank of Ukraine is mulling over the possibility of introducing blockchain-based electronic hryvnias rather than its own cryptocurrency.
Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council chief on Thursday announced plans to form a government working group to craft regulation on cryptocurrencies, citing a current legal vacuum over the swiftly developing market that "poses a threat to the economy and security of the state," according to The Financial Times.
The head executive of Exmo Bitcoin exchange Pavel Lerner has reportedly been kidnapped on the streets of Kyiv. His company, which focuses on trading cryptocurrencies in east Europe, says it is still operating normally, according to Deutsche Welle.
Lost in the hubbub over the feeding frenzy in cryptocurrencies and related stocks is the original digital coin itself, according to Bloomberg.
Bitcoin rebounded on Friday to hit the day's highs above $10,500, recovering from an earlier dip below $9,500, after the U.S. derivatives regulator said it would allow CME Group (CME.O) and CBOE Global Markets (CBOE.O) to list bitcoin futures, according to Reuters.