Bittrex Exchange Denies It Sought to Collaborate With Ukrainian Government

A Ukrainian government official said that United States cryptocurrency exchange Bittrex sought to collaborate with the Ukrainian government on developing the country's cryptocurrency industry.

In a Nov. 20 interview with domestic blockchain media outlet ForkLog,.

Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Alexander Bornyakov claimed that Bittrex contacted the Ukrainian government to this end.

Referring to Ukraine's recent memorandum of understanding with Binance to collaborate on creating crypto legislation in the country, Bornyakov said, "After we announced it, we began receiving requests from Bittrex, from Coinbase."

Bittrex did not contact the Ukrainian governmentBornyakov's statement was soon reported by local publications, interpreting it as Coinbase and Bittrex seeking to open offices in Ukraine.

"Bittrex is committed to helping foster innovation of blockchain technology around the world. However, Bittrex has not reached out to Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation to partner with them."

Cointelegraph previously reported that the Ukrainian government and Binance are forming a working group focused on creating "New virtual assets and a virtual currencies market in Ukraine."

Blockchain and crypto lobbying firms increase in numberCrypto and blockchain companies are beginning to work more closely with governments on developing regulations for the industry.

At the end of 2017, there were only 12 entities in Washington, D.C. lobbying on issues related to blockchain technology.

Along with major industry leaders like Digital Currency Group and Polychain Capital, Coinbase formed purportedly the first supposed lobbying group representing the blockchain industry in Washington, D.C., in September 2018.