Ukrainian authorities have formally blocked access to Polymarket, a decentralised prediction market platform, following a regulatory decision issued in December 2025.
The National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications ordered domestic internet service providers to restrict access to online resources that facilitate gambling activity without a Ukrainian license.
Local media reports that the decision was adopted under Resolution No. 695 and applies to platforms deemed to enable wagering or wagering-like activity outside the country’s regulated framework.
As part of the enforcement action, the domain polymarket.com has been added to Ukraine’s public registry of blocked internet resources. The order obliges electronic communications providers to technically limit access for users located in Ukraine.
The regulator’s position is based on the classification of Polymarket’s services as unlicensed gambling, even though the platform does not operate as a traditional sportsbook and does not accept fiat currency.
According to local media, public analytics indicate that by the end of 2025, trading volume linked to events connected to the war in Ukraine exceeded $100m.
This has drawn scrutiny from regulators concerned about ethical, legal, and national security implications.
Ukraine is not the only jurisdiction to take action against Polymarket. In recent years, the platform has faced restrictions or warnings in several countries over concerns that its markets resemble unlicensed betting.
Authorities in parts of Europe have questioned whether outcome-based contracts tied to elections or armed conflict violate gambling or financial market rules.
These obstacles reflect a broader regulatory conundrum around prediction markets that operate globally but lack local licenses.
Polymarket still working on US return
In the US, Polymarket has also encountered regulatory pressure. In 2022, the platform reached a settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that required it to restrict access for US-based users and pay a civil penalty.
Later, it was able to secure the requisite approval to return to the US and began preparing for a 2025 launch.
As of early 2026, however, Polymarket has not fully launched its regulated US product, tied to its QCEX acquisition, to the general public and is maintaining a waiting list for new subscribers.
The slow launch has not dampened Polymarket’s appeal, however.
Dow Jones recently confirmed that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Polymarket to use its live prediction market data on its media properties, including Barron’s, MarketWatch and The Wall Street Journal.
The agreement comes despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny. For example, Tennessee recently issued cease-and-desist notices to Polymarket, Kalshi, and Crypto.com over concerns related to unauthorised gambling activity through their prediction markets.