Russia plans to expand its restrictions on cryptocurrency mining under a draft proposal that would ban the activity in Moscow, the Moscow region and parts of the Kursk region from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Energy said the proposed restrictions would remain in place through Dec. 31, 2032, as authorities seek to reduce pressure on regional electricity networks.
The proposal follows recommendations from the government’s commission on electric power development. Deputy Energy Minister Yevgeny Grabchak previously said officials supported extending mining restrictions to several regions, including Moscow and parts of Kursk. The draft also covers Belovsky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, Rylsky, Sudzhansky, Lgov and other municipalities.
Energy Demand Drives New Restrictions
Regional officials say cryptocurrency mining places growing pressure on local electricity networks. Government estimates show that 65 data centers operate across Moscow and the surrounding region with a combined capacity of 734 megawatts. Nineteen of those facilities are located in the Moscow region alone, accounting for 233 megawatts of capacity.
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Russia has steadily tightened restrictions on cryptocurrency mining over the past two years as electricity demand has increased. The government approved year-round mining bans in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai starting in April 2026. It has also prohibited mining in Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia and several Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine through 2031.
Authorities have introduced additional limits in southern Irkutsk, including seasonal mining restrictions during periods of peak electricity demand. The latest proposal builds on those measures as officials seek to protect electricity supplies for households and businesses.
Global Scrutiny of Crypto Mining Grows
Russia’s proposal comes as governments in several countries tighten oversight of cryptocurrency activities. Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed new sanctions that would allow the European Union to restrict cryptocurrency service providers accused of helping Russia evade sanctions. The proposal also targets 11 cryptocurrency platforms.
The United Kingdom has also imposed sanctions on cryptocurrency services. In Georgia, authorities have started installing smart electricity meters in Mestia to curb illegal cryptocurrency mining and ease pressure on the local power grid.
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