TechFlow News, March 2: According to Cryptopolitan, Russia’s Republic of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai will lift their temporary restrictions on cryptocurrency mining on March 15. These two Siberian regions imposed seasonal restrictions on November 15 last year to address energy shortages during autumn and winter. However, reports indicate that the Moscow government plans to implement a five-year comprehensive ban on mining in these two regions starting in 2026.
Currently, Russia has fully banned cryptocurrency mining in 10 regions—including southern Irkutsk Oblast and several North Caucasus republics—with these bans set to remain in effect until March 2031. The constantly shifting regulatory environment is making investment planning difficult for Russian mining companies.
Notably, BitRiver—the largest mining company in Russia—is facing bankruptcy proceedings. Its founder, Igor Runets, was detained in January on suspicion of tax evasion. Although BitRiver’s 100-megawatt mining data center project in the Republic of Buryatia has been completed, it has never gone live.
