Russia expands mining ban to Moscow, pressuring global Bitcoin hash rate
Russia has extended its cryptocurrency mining restrictions into Moscow, the surrounding Moscow Region and parts of Kursk Region, thereby reducing the mining capacity of one of the major Bitcoin centers in the world.
The information regarding the ban was published on the legal information portal of the Russian government and reported by Anadolu Agency on Friday, at a time when the Bitcoin network has already shown some slowdown signs.
The move is significant beyond just Russia. As per Hashrate Index’s Q3 2026 heatmap, Russia’s share is approximately 17.2% of the global Bitcoin hash rate, surpassed only by that of the United States.
Each new regulation pushes the mining process and its rewards further in favor of competing regions. Meanwhile, the total Bitcoin network hash rate has decreased for two quarters in a row and is almost 12% lower than its December 2025 high.
What the Moscow order actually bans
The new restrictions take effect on Aug. 15 and will remain in force through the end of 2032. They cover Moscow, the Moscow Region, and several districts in the Kursk Region.
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