Cryptocurrency mining is banned in 10 regions of the Russian Federation until 2031 0 6

In 2026, the introduction of new bans on cryptocurrency mining in Russian regions is unlikely, experts believe. Restrictions may only arise in the event of an energy deficit in certain areas.

Ilya Dolmatov, Director of the Institute of Economics and Regulation of Infrastructure Industries at HSE University and member of the Public Council under the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), reminded that there is currently a complete ban on mining in ten regions, while three others have a partial ban in certain areas. He explained that restrictions are imposed when there is a deficit of electricity and capacity.

"At present, there are no new regions where a ban will be introduced. But at some point, they may arise if the issue of electricity capacity deficit manifests itself in certain regions," Dolmatov said.

At the same time, in 2026, the expert does not see any "risk zones" because electricity consumption in Russia as a whole did not increase in 2025.

Sergey Sasim, Director of the Center for Energy Research at HSE University, noted that energy deficit zones usually do not have low electricity prices, making them unprofitable for miners. Therefore, the introduction of a ban in such regions is unlikely.

"Mining is subject to a ban in energy deficit zones. Therefore, if new areas of active capacity deficit arise, such bans may be introduced. At the same time, mining is mainly concentrated in regions with low electricity prices. Since energy deficit zones are generally not characterized by low prices, the application of such a ban in them is unlikely," Sasim explained.

The expert clarified that authorities in certain energy-deficient regions may well "expand discrimination" if the problem of capacity shortages spreads to new areas. "In particular, this may be relevant for the Irkutsk region," he added.

Earlier, the Ministry of Energy reported that the government commission on energy development may consider introducing a ban on cryptocurrency mining in Russian regions if it receives relevant requests from governors.

The Russian government has approved a list of regions and territories where mining is banned from January 1, 2025, to March 15, 2031. Restrictions have been imposed in Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Chechnya, the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk "people's republics," and in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

In addition, the government ordered a complete ban on mining activities in the south of the Irkutsk region. Mining is also prohibited in certain areas of Buryatia and the Transbaikal Territory during peak energy consumption periods. In 2025, these periods fall from January 1 to March 15, and in subsequent years, from November 15 to March 15.