Moscow data center and bitcoin mining ban extends through 2032, institutionalizing Russia's digital-infrastructure cold shoulder.

Russia has expanded its cryptocurrency mining ban to include Moscow and the Moscow region. On July 25, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed Resolution 936, amending a December 2024 decree on digital currency mining to extend the ban's geographic scope. The amendment also covers nine municipal districts in the Kursk region: Belovsky, Bolshesoldatsky, Glushkovsky, Korenevsky, Lgovsky, Rylsky, Sudzhansky, Khomutovsky, and the urban district of Lgov.

The action addresses severe strain on local power grids, following a recommendation from the government commission for electric power industry development. Moscow and the Moscow region host over 65 data centers operating at a combined capacity of 734 MW. The ban takes effect August 15 and remains in force through December 31, 2032.

This builds on restrictions established in December 2024, which targeted Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, Zaporizhzhia, and the Kherson region. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated at the time that while mining activities were relevant, further restrictions would be necessary "to ensure the connection of social facilities and enterprises under construction first."

The Ministry of Energy has highlighted the effectiveness of similar bans in Siberia, reporting that their implementation reduced the load on the Siberian power grid by more than 300 MW, avoiding electricity restrictions for residents.