A Russian decree dated November 2, 2026, is the basis for a reported requirement that private data-center operators reserve 10% of available space and capacity for state use. Meduza reported that a government commission would decide when to use the reserve. Separately, Vedomosti reported that Rostelecom was discussing a three-stage protection concept with Norilsk Nickel, whose final stage would place data centers underground.
What the reported 10% reserve requires
The official record identifies Presidential Decree No. 802, dated November 2, 2026. Meduza reported that private data-center operators must set aside 10% of their available space and capacity for possible state needs. A special government commission would decide whether the reserve was needed to support information resources.
Meduza also reported that operators had 10 days to comply after the decree took effect. The commission could authorize the use of data centers outside Russia with the consent of the Federal Security Service.
Rostelecom’s reported protection concept
Vedomosti described three stages in Rostelecom’s concept: keeping data copies at a backup site, distributing computing and services across geographically separated sites, and placing a data center underground for the most serious threat scenarios. The stages move from preserving copies to spreading computing across locations, then adding underground placement as a further layer.
Vedomosti reported that Rostelecom was negotiating with Norilsk Nickel about a possible facility. Its account describes talks and a protection concept, not a construction project.
| Stage | Protection approach | Role described |
| 1 | Backup site with data copies | Preserve copies at a separate location |
| 2 | Geographically distributed computing and services | Spread services across separated sites |
| 3 | Underground placement | Considered for the most serious threat scenarios |
A separate proposal for former open-pit mines
Ars Technica separately reported a regional proposal to put data centers in former open-pit coal mines and plant public parks above them as camouflage. That is distinct from the Rostelecom–Norilsk Nickel discussions.
The proposals came amid reports of Ukrainian drone strikes in October 2026 on data centers belonging to Yandex, Sber, and VK, as reported by Meduza.
