U.S. reportedly seeks crypto mining access to Russia-occupied nuclear site
Pooja Rajkumari
Fri, December 26, 2025 at 12:19 PM EST
2 min read
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the United States has expressed interest in establishing cryptocurrency mining operations at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP).
The statement came during a recent meeting between Putin and Russian business leaders, where he discussed ongoing negotiations over the plant’s future, according to a report from Russian outlet Kommersant on Dec. 25.
Located in southeastern Ukraine, the ZNPP is Europe’s largest nuclear facility and once played a central role in Ukraine’s electricity supply and grid stability. Since being occupied by Russian forces in 2022, the site has become a recurring flashpoint in diplomatic discussions.
Related: Russia bans crypto mining in several regions until 2031
Competing proposals for control of Europe’s largest nuclear plant
The report claims that Washington aims to use a proposed stake in the ZNPP for crypto mining as part of wider U.S.-Russia talks. Moscow and Washington are reportedly discussing a joint management plan for the plant that would exclude Ukraine.
However, according to the BBC, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented an updated peace plan, which included a proposal from the U.S. for a tripartite arrangement for the facility. In the arrangement, Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. will hold equal stakes in the facility.
Control over the ZNPP has major geopolitical and security implications, as whoever manages the plant effectively controls a key source of electricity for southern Ukraine and a stabilizing component of the wider regional grid.
More News:
Bitcoin mining in Russia grows amid tightening regulation
While the Zaporizhzhia plant’s crypto connection remains speculative, Bitcoin mining is already thriving in Russia.
Since 2024, the activity has been legalized and regulated under a law signed by Putin, requiring miners to register with authorities and adhere to taxation and energy standards. A national registry of crypto mining equipment was established in 2025 to improve oversight and curb illegal power consumption.
Russia now contributes between 4% and 16% of global Bitcoin hashrate, placing it among the world’s top mining hubs. The country’s mining advantage lies in abundant, cheap energy, particularly in Siberia, and its cold climate, which naturally aids in cooling mining hardware.
Beyond profitability, the Kremlin views Bitcoin mining as a strategic tool for monetizing surplus energy and earning foreign income in the face of Western sanctions. Despite periodic regional restrictions and crackdowns on unregistered operations, the sector continues to expand.
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Related: Russia considers greenlighting crypto for international payments
This story was originally published by TheStreet on Dec 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Policy section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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