Russia has moved to tighten its cryptocurrency mining policy again. Under a newly issued decree, cryptocurrency mining and participation in mining pools will be banned from Aug. 15 until the end of 2032 across Moscow and nearby areas, in a step aimed at reducing strain on the power grid and avoiding power shortages.
The restriction will remain in place for more than six years. It covers the city of Moscow, all of Moscow Oblast, as well as eight administrative districts in Kursk Oblast and the city of Lgov.
The report described it as Russia’s largest mining restriction in recent years. It also formalizes a policy draft proposed by the Russian Energy Ministry in late June, which warned that without a year-round ban on mining activity, these energy-intensive areas could face an electricity shortfall.
Mining pools are included in the restriction
The decree goes beyond banning cryptocurrency mining itself. It also covers mining pool activity, effectively cutting off the local mining industry chain in the affected regions.
According to Interfax, Moscow Oblast Energy Minister Sergei Voropanov had previously said that cryptocurrency mining currently accounts for about 1 GW of electricity consumption on the Moscow grid.
He also estimated that by 2032, total electricity demand from data centers in Moscow and Moscow Oblast will rise to 3.6 GW, equal to about 17% of the region’s forecast peak load. The report noted that this figure includes all data center electricity use and is not entirely attributable to cryptocurrency mining.
Russia has been tightening mining controls since late 2024
Since the end of 2024, Russia has gradually restricted or banned cryptocurrency mining in several regions facing tight power supply. Some of those bans are set to remain in place through 2031, while other regions apply seasonal restrictions during periods of peak demand, including winter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law in 2024 allowing companies and operators listed in an official register to conduct cryptocurrency mining legally.
For unregistered individuals, mining is still allowed, but only within government-set household electricity consumption limits.
Russia also formally launched a nationwide registry system for cryptocurrency mining equipment in July 2025. The system is intended to track the distribution of mining machines, monitor electricity use, and strengthen tax administration.
Wider digital asset rules are still taking shape
Beyond mining oversight, Russia is still building out its broader digital asset regulatory framework. Last month, the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, passed a major bill that, if it takes effect, would allow regulated retail investors to legally trade cryptocurrencies. The country would still keep its ban on using cryptocurrencies as a means of payment.