Bitcoin Mining Revenue in Russia Grew 18 Times in 4 Years Before ‘Worst Quarter’

Russian revenues from the minting of bitcoin saw a multifold increase in the past few years before declining significantly since this past spring. The findings come from a new study which also established that the sector was growing during both ups and downs in the crypto market. $1.4 Billion in Turnover Expected From Russia’s Bitcoin … Read more

US Charges Russians, Venezuelans for Sanctions Evasion Using Cryptocurrency

A group of Russian and Venezuelan nationals have been charged by U.S. authorities for their roles in a scheme to circumvent Western sanctions and launder money on a global scale. They have been accused of obtaining military technologies from American companies, smuggling oil, and disguising money flows for Russian oligarchs through shell companies and crypto … Read more

EU to Target Crypto Miners’ Power Usage as Union Relies Less on Russian Energy

Authorities in Brussels are taking steps to reduce power consumption, including in cryptocurrency mining, as the EU faces limited energy supplies from Russia, the reliance on which it has been trying to lower. New energy efficiency labeling is to address the growing electricity usage in the crypto sector. EU to Develop Energy Efficiency Label for … Read more

Localbitcoins, Crypto.com, Other Providers Suspend Services for Russians Under EU Rules

Complying with the latest EU sanctions targeting Russia, well-known cryptocurrency platforms like Localbitcoins, Blockchain.com, and Crypto.com have started to restrict or terminate services for Russian accounts. The moves follow the adoption of new European penalties in response to Moscow’s military escalation in Ukraine. Major Crypto Platforms Conform to EU Measures, Restrict Services for Russian Users … Read more

War Spurs Crypto Activity in Russia and Ukraine, Chainalysis Reports

The deadly conflict that started with Russia’s assault on Ukraine has increased crypto-related activity in both countries, according to Chainalysis. Fiat inflation and sanctions pressure led to several spikes in transaction volumes this year, the blockchain forensics firm has found, while Eastern Europe as a whole sustained its role in the global crypto ecosystem. Russians … Read more

Ukraine’s Kharkiv Art Museum Launches NFT Collection With Binance to Raise Funds, Secure Jobs

The art museum in the Eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has partnered with cryptocurrency exchange Binance to offer non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of some of its most valuable artworks. Proceeds from the auction will be used to restore the museum’s activities and support its staff. Ukrainian Museum to Sell 15 Works of Art as Digital Collectibles … Read more

Crypto Exchanges Still Available to Russians Despite Latest EU Sanctions, Report Unveils

A list of crypto exchanges, including global platforms, have not introduced new restrictions on Russian users after the EU’s most recent sanctions round, Russian crypto media reported. The latest European penalties target an array of crypto-related services to increase pressure on Russia amid an escalating conflict in Ukraine. Major Exchanges Continue to Work in Russia … Read more

Latest EU Sanctions Expected to Stimulate Russia’s Own Crypto Market, Exchanges Maintain Services

The new crypto sanctions imposed by the European Union are likely to spur the development of the country’s digital asset market, according to a Russian lawmaker. Anatoly Aksakov, who chairs the parliamentary Financial Market Committee, believes Russians will manage to bypass the restrictions. Meanwhile, major exchanges have reportedly informed Russian users that trading continues. Russians … Read more

EU Bans Crypto Services for Russians in New Sanctions Over Ukraine Escalation

An array of crypto-related services have been targeted in the latest round of sanctions on Russia approved by the EU. The measures are part of an expected tightening of the economic and financial restrictions in response to Moscow’s decision to annex Ukrainian territories. EU Council Adopts Full Ban on Crypto Wallet and Custody Services for … Read more

Pro-Russian Groups Raised $400,000 in Crypto Since Ukraine Invasion, Report Reveals

Groups supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine have been actively collecting cryptocurrency to fund paramilitary operations and evade sanctions, researchers say. According to a new report, these organizations use Telegram to raise money then used to pay for equipment and training. Paramilitary Groups Employ Cryptocurrency to Fund Russian Operations in Ukraine Pro-Russian groups have reportedly … Read more