Summary
Russia will extend its regional crypto mining ban to Moscow, the Moscow Region, and nine designated territories within Kursk Region from August 15, 2026, through December 31, 2032, under Government Resolution No. 936 signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on July 25. The Energy Ministry warned that operating without a year-round restriction could create "risks of a shortage of power capacity" as energy-intensive mining facilities connect to regional grids.
Key Facts
- Ban effective: August 15, 2026 through December 31, 2032
- Covers: Moscow, entire Moscow Region, 9 territories in Kursk Region
- Signed by PM Mikhail Mishustin on July 25, published July 31
- Amends Resolution No. 1869 (December 2024) that established territorial mining restrictions
- Mining consumes ~1 GW within Moscow power system
- Data-center capacity in Moscow region could reach 3.6 GW by 2032 (17% of system's max load)
- Prohibits both digital currency mining and participation in mining pools
- Existing restrictions cover North Caucasus republics (through March 2031) and parts of Buryatia/Zabaykalsky Krai
- Mining businesses must stop local activity by Aug 15 or relocate equipment
Why It Matters
Russia legalized cryptocurrency mining in 2024 but has progressively restricted it in energy-constrained regions. The Moscow ban is the most significant yet, covering the country's largest population center and economic hub. The 1 GW mining load in Moscow's power system illustrates how quickly industrial mining can strain urban grids. The ban does not target mining nationwide — it's a regional grid management measure — but it signals that Russia's regulatory approach is hardening as the industry scales. Miners will need to relocate to energy-rich regions like Siberia, where surplus hydroelectric capacity exists.