Russia Moves to Ban Crypto Mining in Moscow From July 1

• Russia plans a crypto mining ban in Moscow, nearby regions, and parts of Kursk from July 1, 2026.
• The proposed restrictions would remain effective until December 31, 2032, under the draft resolution.
• Officials cite rising electricity demand and data center growth as reasons for expanding mining bans.

Russia is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency mining restrictions with a new proposal targeting Moscow, the Moscow region, and parts of the Kursk region. The draft resolution, prepared by the Ministry of Energy, would prohibit mining activities from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2032, as authorities seek to reduce pressure on regional electricity infrastructure.

Russia Expands Crypto Mining Restrictions

Russia’s Ministry of Energy has drafted a government resolution that would ban cryptocurrency mining across Moscow, the Moscow region, and selected municipalities in the Kursk region. The proposed restrictions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, and remain in force until December 31, 2032.

The draft resolution follows recommendations made by the government’s commission on electric power development. Officials believe expanding mining restrictions will help stabilize electricity supplies in regions experiencing increasing power demand.

The proposal covers several municipalities within the Kursk region. These include Belovsky, Bolshesoldatsky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, Lgovsky, Rylsky, Sudzhansky, Khomutovsky districts, and the city of Lgov.

Deputy Energy Minister Yevgeny Grabchak previously confirmed that the government supported extending mining restrictions to these locations. The recommendation was announced earlier this year as officials evaluated regional electricity consumption.

Authorities argue that cryptocurrency mining has become a significant contributor to growing electricity demand. As mining operations continue expanding, regulators believe additional controls are necessary to protect energy availability for households, businesses, and essential services.

Rising Energy Demand Drives Government Action

Regional energy officials estimate that 65 data centers currently operate across Moscow and the surrounding region. Together, these facilities account for approximately 734 megawatts of connected electrical capacity.

Within the Moscow region alone, authorities estimate that 19 data centers consume around 233 megawatts of electricity. Officials have cited these figures as evidence supporting tighter regulation of large-scale cryptocurrency mining operations.

The latest proposal builds upon Russia’s broader strategy to regulate crypto mining nationwide. Earlier measures introduced permanent and seasonal mining bans across several regions where electricity demand regularly exceeds available capacity.

In March, the Russian government approved year-round mining bans in the Republic of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai, effective from April 2026 through March 2031. Mining restrictions are also in place across Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, and several other territories until 2031.

Additionally, authorities imposed a complete mining ban in southern Irkutsk during 2025. Seasonal restrictions have also been introduced in regions experiencing peak electricity consumption during winter months.

The proposed Moscow restrictions represent another step in Russia‘s effort to balance cryptocurrency activity with long-term energy security.

If approved, the resolution would significantly expand the country’s mining limitations and reinforce the government’s focus on protecting regional power infrastructure while maintaining oversight of the digital asset industry.

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