Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the uncontrolled growth of bitcoin mining in Russia could lead to energy problems, especially in regions with frequent power shortages such as Irkutsk, Buryatia and Transbaikal Krai. Putin pointed out that these mining activities consume about 1.5% of the country's total electricity consumption, or up to 16 billion kWh per year. He stressed that unrestricted mining expansion could lead to...