HTX cuts off users in Russia, the third big exchange to do so this week
HTX, formerly Huobi, added Russia to the list of countries whose residents are barred from all of its services.
In force since: October 23, 2026
Primary source: October 23, 2026
Published here: October 23, 2026 at 09:20 PM UTC
Read: 2 min
What happened
HTX's user agreement now lists Russia among the jurisdictions barred from all of the exchange's services. Users say they are getting emails asking them to withdraw funds within seven business days. HTX has not published an official notice with dates yet.
Why it matters to you
If you live in Russia and hold money on HTX, it makes sense to withdraw while withdrawals still work. This is the third big exchange this week after Bitget and MEXC. People in Russia have fewer places left to trade crypto.
What to check and watch
Check notices in your account and ask support about deadlines. When withdrawing, double check the network and the address. Watch which big exchange moves next.
HTX used to be called Huobi. Clause 1.2 of its user agreement lists the jurisdictions whose residents are barred from all services. The list includes mainland China, the US, the UK, EU member states, Singapore and others. The Russian Federation is now on it too. The agreement treats you as being from a country if you live there or are physically there.
The agreement says changes take effect as soon as they are posted and the list may change without notice. So HTX can restrict an account without waiting for an email.
According to Cointelegraph, social media posts describe emails to Russian clients asking them to withdraw within seven business days, with possible withdrawal limits and account blocks after that. HTX has not published a separate official notice on deadlines, and the outlet could not confirm the exact date or how many users got the email.
In July 2026 the EU put HTX on its sanctions list. Since 23 August EU citizens and companies have been barred from dealing with the platform. Earlier in October Bitget and MEXC also announced limits for users from Russia.
Confirmed facts
- HTX's user agreement lists the Russian Federation among jurisdictions whose residents are barred from all platform services.[1][2][3]
- Under the agreement, changes take effect as soon as they are posted, and the list of banned countries may change without notice.[1]
- Users report emails asking them to withdraw funds within seven business days, after which withdrawals may be limited and accounts blocked.[2][3]
- HTX has not published a separate official notice on withdrawal deadlines for users in Russia.[2]
- In July 2026 the EU put HTX on its sanctions list, and since 23 August EU citizens and companies have been barred from dealing with it.[2][3]
- In October Bitget and MEXC also announced limits for users from Russia.[2][3]
Implications
- ConfirmedUnder its own rules, people in Russia can no longer use HTX services.
- Our readingAnyone with funds left on HTX is safer withdrawing them soon rather than waiting for an email.
- Our readingPeople in Russia have fewer big exchanges, and demand shifts to the remaining venues and p2p.
Still unknown
- The exact date after which HTX will limit withdrawals for users in Russia.
- Whether all clients in Russia received the withdrawal email.
Who it affects
Russia. People in Russia who have an account or funds on HTX
Sources
- HTX: HTX Platform User Agreement · official
- Cointelegraph: Криптобиржа HTX закрывает доступ россиянам и требует вывести средства October 23, 2026 · media
- Bits.media: Криптобиржа HTX прекратила обслуживать россиян October 23, 2026 · media
Cover: Freekonomist graphic, a symbolic image, not a photo of the event. This is a news explainer, not financial advice.
More stories
US lifts 50% tariffs on some Canadian goods but adds others to the list
The White House drops plywood, paper and some machinery from Canada from its tariff list and taxes valves, carpets and waste instead.
US business grows near a 5-year high but raises prices fastest since 2022
US business activity eased a little in October but is still growing near a five-year high, while prices for customers speed up.
Brazil's inflation slows to 0.32% a month, below forecasts
Brazil's early inflation reading for October came in below expectations, which backs the case for another rate cut.
Morning brief by email
The night's key moves and what matters today, in 2 minutes. One-click unsubscribe.