13 Regions Face Crypto Mining Ban Under Russia's New Energy Policies

Russia’s governmental commission on electricity development approved cryptocurrency mining restrictions on Monday, set to take effect on Dec. 1 with subsequent enforcement covering Nov. 15 to March 15 annually through 2031. Deputy Energy Minister Yevgeny Grabchak confirmed the decision, which targets 13 regions, including Irkutsk, Buryatia, and Transbaikal, excluding Moscow. The extended enforcement periods were approved to manage peak electricity demand and address energy shortages. Other regions affected include Karachay-Circassia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Donetsk, and Lugansk People’s Republics. Areas with subsidized electricity prices and forecasted shortages were prioritized for the ban, with advice from the Energy Ministry and local authorities influencing the decision. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak’s office emphasized that these measures aim to address critical regulatory and fiscal challenges in affected areas.