Russia plans to increase its restrictions on cryptocurrency mining below a draft proposal that might ban the exercise in Moscow, the Moscow area and elements of the Kursk area from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Power mentioned the proposed restrictions would stay in place by means of Dec. 31, 2032, as authorities search to cut back stress on regional electrical energy networks.
The proposal follows suggestions from the federal government’s fee on electrical energy improvement. Deputy Power Minister Yevgeny Grabchak beforehand mentioned officers supported extending mining restrictions to a number of areas, together with Moscow and elements of Kursk. The draft additionally covers Belovsky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, Rylsky, Sudzhansky, Lgov and different municipalities.
Power Demand Drives New Restrictions
Regional officers say cryptocurrency mining locations rising stress on native electrical energy networks. Authorities estimates present that 65 information facilities function throughout Moscow and the encompassing area with a mixed capability of 734 megawatts. Nineteen of these amenities are situated within the Moscow area alone, accounting for 233 megawatts of capability.
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Russia has steadily tightened restrictions on cryptocurrency mining over the previous two years as electrical energy demand has elevated. The federal government accepted year-round mining bans in Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai beginning in April 2026. It has additionally prohibited mining in Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia and several other Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine by means of 2031.
Authorities have launched further limits in southern Irkutsk, together with seasonal mining restrictions during times of peak electrical energy demand. The most recent proposal builds on these measures as officers search to guard electrical energy provides for households and companies.
International Scrutiny of Crypto Mining Grows
Russia’s proposal comes as governments in a number of nations tighten oversight of cryptocurrency actions. Earlier this month, the European Fee proposed new sanctions that might enable the European Union to limit cryptocurrency service suppliers accused of serving to Russia evade sanctions. The proposal additionally targets 11 cryptocurrency platforms.
The UK has additionally imposed sanctions on cryptocurrency providers. In Georgia, authorities have began putting in sensible electrical energy meters in Mestia to curb unlawful cryptocurrency mining and ease stress on the native energy grid.
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