Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin is ending all services for customers in Russia and Belarus, joining other major platforms restricting access to the two markets amid ongoing Western sanctions.
The exchange said the decision was made to comply with legal and regulatory requirements but did not identify specific rules behind the move. The restrictions take effect immediately and cover all products and services. KuCoin said customers would receive information about deadlines for closing positions and withdrawing funds.
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KuCoin’s move follows similar restrictions announced by MEXC and Bitget this month. MEXC said it would stop serving customers in both countries on October 20, reflecting growing compliance challenges for crypto platforms operating across international markets.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western governments have expanded sanctions targeting Russian financial institutions and transactions. Restrictions have also affected certain cryptocurrency services suspected of helping sanctioned entities move funds. In July 2026, the European Union targeted the A7 crypto network, which was valued at approximately $120 billion.
Other major exchanges have previously withdrawn from Russia. Binance sold its local operations to CommEX in September 2023, but CommEX shut down six months later.
KuCoin has also faced regulatory action in the United States over anti-money laundering controls. In January 2025, it agreed to pay nearly $300 million after pleading guilty to operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. In March 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission restricted its operator from serving US customers unless it registered as a foreign board of trade.
KuCoin has not disclosed how many customers will be affected by its exit from Russia and Belarus.
