Russia is rapidly rewriting its relationship with digital assets. Three developments now sit alongside each other: regulated XRP access on a major national exchange, a new comprehensive crypto law, and a ban on energy-intensive proof-of-work mining in its capital region.
Crypto pundit Pumpius (@pumpius) has connected these dots, saying the sequence points toward XRP in particular.
Moscow Opens the Door to XRP
Moscow Exchange launched the MOEXXRP index on May 13, and ruble-settled XRP futures on May 14, giving over 62,000 qualified Russian investors regulated XRP access for the first time.
XRP is restricted to qualified investors only. Russia’s central bank confirmed it does not intend to expand the list of cryptocurrencies available to retail investors during the first stage of implementation, keeping XRP off the retail list. Still, the institutional infrastructure is now live, and this development is notable.
🤯 RUSSIA JUST BANNED CRYPTO MINING… AND IT’S ALL ABOUT XRP
Russia banned crypto mining in Moscow and surrounding regions until 2032.
First they quietly enabled XRP access.⁰Then rolled out their version of a Clarity Act.⁰Now they’re shutting down energy-hungry proof-of-work… pic.twitter.com/69dTgX9IdG
— Pumpius (@pumpius) August 1, 2026
Russia Passes Its Own Crypto Law
On July 21, Russia’s State Duma completed the second and third readings of bill No. 1194918-8, titled “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights.” It cleared with 340 votes in favour.
The Russian crypto law establishes rules for exchanges, brokers, digital depositories, asset managers, and other intermediaries. Companies offering exchange services must join a special regulatory registry.
The legislation permits digital asset use in controlled circumstances, particularly for cross-border trade, while domestic crypto payments remain prohibited. The main provisions are set to take effect on September 1, with the digital ruble rolling out on the same date. Russia is already making progress with crypto legislation while the U.S. Congress fights over the CLARITY Act.
Mining Gets Cut From Moscow
Russia’s Government Resolution No. 936, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on July 25, bans cryptocurrency mining across Moscow, the Moscow Region, and parts of the Kursk Region. These restrictions will take effect on August 15 and run through December 31, 2032.
The stated reason is energy. Officials concluded that mining’s economic contribution does not justify its energy footprint.
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Why Pumpius Points to XRP
Pumpius argues these three moves form a sequence. XRP runs on a consensus protocol with no mining requirement, no proof-of-work computation, and no associated energy draw. His view is that Russia is shifting its digital asset infrastructure toward assets that do not compete with the power grid. He describes the mining ban as “clearing the runway.”
None of this reflects any stated Russian government position on XRP. The mining ban cites public data, and Russia’s new crypto law does not name XRP specifically. What Pumpius presents is a theory, but it could be a game-changer for XRP if true.
Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.
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