Russia is widening its crackdown on cryptocurrency mining. The government has added Moscow and the Moscow region to a 2024 decree that bans mining in certain areas from August 15 through December 31, 2032. The move also extends the ban to some territories in the Kursk region.
What the amended decree covers
The original decree, issued in 2024, already restricted mining in several regions. The latest amendment brings in the capital and its surrounding area — a major energy consumer — plus parts of Kursk. The ban runs annually from August 15 to December 31, 2032, though the decree doesn't specify whether it will be renewed after that date.
Why Moscow now
Moscow and the Moscow region are home to some of Russia's highest electricity demand. Mining operations there have drawn scrutiny from grid operators. The government hasn't publicly detailed the reasoning behind the expansion, but the timing — just weeks before the ban takes effect — gives miners in the capital little time to adjust.
What miners face
Anyone running mining rigs in the newly covered zones must shut down or relocate by August 15. The decree doesn't outline penalties for non-compliance, but previous regional bans have led to fines and equipment seizures. For miners in Moscow, the options are limited: move to a permitted region, switch to foreign pools, or stop entirely.
The next deadline
The ban kicks in 13 days from now. Miners in Moscow, the Moscow region, and the affected parts of Kursk have until then to cease operations. After that, the prohibition remains in place until the end of 2032 — a long stretch for an industry that thrives on cheap power and regulatory certainty.
