Russia Plans Domestic-Only Crypto Market, Foreign Exchanges to Be Blocked by 2026

On 6 March 2026, Russian authorities outlined a plan to require all crypto platforms operating in the country to obtain domestic licenses and comply with local data rules, while blocking access to foreign exchanges by mid-2026. The framework introduces a two-tier investor system capping non-qualified users at 300,000 rubles per year, bans privacy coins, and aligns with the scheduled September 1, 2026 launch of the digital ruble.