PANews reported on May 19th, citing Bits.media, that the Russian government's legislative council approved a proposal to ban cryptocurrency mining in the border region of Kursk Oblast. The ban covers eight districts and the city of Ligov. The governor stated that this move was made at the request of a resource supply organization, as residents of nine border districts are exempt from utility fees, including electricity, and the establishment of mining facilities would place a financial burden on the federal budget. The ban aims to prevent energy shortages exacerbated by attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces and difficulties in infrastructure restoration. The governor did not announce a specific implementation date but indicated that the ban might be lifted once the situation improves. Previously, there were reports that the mining ban might be extended to the entire central region of Russia.