Starting August 15, 2026, Russia will prohibit crypto mining activities in Moscow, the Moscow Region, and parts of the Kursk Region until the end of 2032. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved the extension on July 25, with the official decree published on July 31.
The ban covers both individual mining operations and participation in mining pools, marking a significant expansion from previous restrictions that focused on other regions. In the Kursk Region, eight municipal districts plus the city of Lgov fall under the new rules.
Energy Concerns Drive Restrictions
Russian energy officials say the move responds to mounting pressure on local power grids. Mining demand in Moscow alone could reach one gigawatt, with data centers potentially consuming up to 3.6 gigawatts by 2032 around 17% of the system’s peak load, according to Interfax. Officials in Kursk also flagged risks to electrical infrastructure, prompting their request for the ban.
These measures add to existing bans in parts of the North Caucasus and other territories, which will stay effective until March 2031. The growing power requirements of crypto mining pose challenges to Russia’s electricity supply and infrastructure planning.
This content is for informational purposes and not financial advice.
