Russia extends crypto mining ban to Moscow from Aug. 15

Kursk officials sought restrictions in eight districts and Lgov amid concerns about pressure on local electricity infrastructure. The final decree adopted the same locations included in the earlier government proposal.

Existing rules already cover several North Caucasus republics and other territories through March 15, 2031. The government imposed year-round restrictions across parts of Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai from April 1, 2026. The Energy Ministry said those restrictions cover 20 areas of Buryatia and 31 areas of Zabaykalsky Krai.

A Russian power-industry commission supported the Moscow and Kursk proposal in May, moving the plan toward Cabinet approval. Lawmakers separately considered penalties for unregistered mining.

Russia introduced a mining registry intended to identify unregistered operators and equipment. The system supports a broader policy that permits registered mining while targeting unauthorized facilities.

Mining businesses in the newly restricted areas must stop local activity by Aug. 15 or move their equipment. The deadline falls 15 days after the decree's July 31 publication. The restriction covers pool participation as well as direct cryptocurrency mining.

The prohibition expires Dec. 31, 2032, unless the government amends the order. The decree does not provide an official estimate of the mining capacity affected or the amount of equipment that must relocate. Claims that the Moscow ban will materially alter Bitcoin's global hash rate remain unverified. The next confirmed development is the restriction's implementation on Aug. 15 and any later enforcement guidance from Russian energy or regional authorities.