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Russia Bans Bitcoin Mining in Two More Regions Until 2031
Russia has expanded its crackdown on cryptocurrency mining by imposing a year-round ban on Bitcoin mining in significant parts of the Republic of Buryatia and the Zabaykalsky Krai. The restrictions took effect on April 1 and will remain in place until March 15, 2031. This move affects 19 districts and the city of Ulan-Ude in Buryatia, as well as 14 municipalities in the Zabaykalsky Krai.
The Russian government cited the increasing pressure on regional power grids as the main reason for the ban. The energy demand in both areas has risen, and mining activities have been identified as a significant contributor to grid instability. Since December 2024, Russia has extended regional mining bans, bringing the total number of affected regions to 15.
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“The case highlighted the type of unregistered, energy-draining activities that Moscow is now trying to combat through both regional bans and new legislation.”
On March 31, a bill was presented to the State Duma proposing criminal liability for illegal mining, with fines of up to two million rubles and prison sentences of up to five years for offenders. Only 1,489 of an estimated 50,000 active miners in Russia have formally registered with tax authorities. The law is expected to be passed in the spring and come into effect on July 1.
In parallel, on March 30, the government approved a separate legislative package for the formal legalization of digital currencies, which is set to be presented to the State Duma in early April.
Key Takeaways:
- Year-round ban on Bitcoin mining in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai until 2031.
- New legislation proposed to impose criminal liability for illegal mining activities.
- Only 1,489 out of 50,000 miners are registered with tax authorities.
Riot Sells 500 Bitcoin While Empery Transfers 1,795 BTC to Gemini
Riot Platforms has sold 500 BTC, valued at over $34 million, to manage operations and liquidity. This sale reflects a broader trend where miners liquidate portions of their reserves to cover rising operational costs and market volatility. Concurrently, Empery Digital transferred 1,795 BTC, worth approximately $122.5 million, to Gemini, indicating strategic positioning.
The activity on the Bitcoin market has intensified, with large players adjusting their holdings. Such transactions often signal deeper shifts within the crypto ecosystem, prompting investors to closely monitor these movements to gauge market direction.
Riot's decision to sell 500 BTC has drawn attention, showcasing how miners adapt to changing market conditions. The transfer of BTC to exchanges like Gemini typically suggests potential selling activities, although it may also support strategies for custody, trading, or liquidity management.
Key Takeaways:
- Riot Platforms sold 500 BTC for operational liquidity.
- Empery Digital transferred 1,795 BTC to Gemini, indicating strategic asset management.
- Market activity reflects a mix of caution and repositioning by large holders.
Bitcoin Ends Five-Month Downtrend: March 2026 Sees 1.8% Increase
Bitcoin has broken its five-month downtrend, closing March 2026 with a slight increase of 1.8% at around $67,000. This marks the first monthly gain after a prolonged period of declines, indicating a potential stabilization for investors in Europe and the DACH region.
Despite geopolitical tensions and declining ETF inflows, Bitcoin managed to maintain its value, suggesting increasing market maturity. The month saw net inflows of $1.13 billion into spot Bitcoin ETFs, which directly supported the price by increasing spot demand.
April is historically the strongest month for Bitcoin, with an average return of 33.4%. Experts predict Bitcoin could reach between $150,000 and $200,000, driven by ongoing ETF flows and on-chain accumulation by whales.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin closed March 2026 with a 1.8% increase, breaking a five-month downtrend.
- Net inflows of $1.13 billion into spot Bitcoin ETFs supported the price.
- April historically shows strong performance potential for Bitcoin.
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