Russia’s Ministry of Energy has published a draft decree that would ban cryptocurrency mining in Moscow, Moscow Oblast, and parts of Kursk Oblast for more than six years.
The ban would take effect July 1, 2026, and remain in place through December 31, 2032.
The numbers behind the ban
At least 65 data centers in the Moscow region currently hold a cumulative capacity of 734 MW.
That figure is projected to reach 3.6 GW, or roughly 17% of the region’s maximum load, by 2032.
Moscow-area mining alone already consumes an estimated 1 GW of electricity, while data centers nationwide are expected to hit 15.3 GW of total capacity within five years.
The decree was published on June 26, 2026, after a government electricity commission reviewed the matter in May.
Officials concluded that mining’s economic contribution does not justify its energy footprint.
War and regional power strain
Governor Alexander Khinshtein pointed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a major driver of Kursk Oblast’s power crisis.
The Kursk ban specifically targets eight districts along with the city of Lgov.
This restriction builds on a broader trend that accelerated after Russia legalized mining through Law No. 221-FZ in 2024.
Bans have already hit more than 13 regions across the country, including both long-term and indefinite prohibitions.
Criminal penalties on the way
A separate bill moving through the State Duma would criminalize unregistered mining activities.
The penalties include fines of up to 2.5 million rubles, roughly $35,000, and prison sentences of up to five years.
