Евросоюз вводит санкции против криптоплатформ России, закрывая лазейки в финансовых операциях Translation: EU Introduces Sanctions Against Russian Crypto Platforms, Closing Financial Loopholes

The European Commission has announced the upcoming implementation of the 19th sanctions package against Russia. These restrictions will target cryptocurrency exchanges and transactions involving digital assets.

«We are focusing on financial loopholes that Russia exploits to evade sanctions. For the first time, our restrictive measures will extend to crypto platforms,» emphasized the head of the regulator, Ursula von der Leyen.

According to the statement, all cryptocurrency transactions for residents of Russia will be blocked.

Foreign banks linked to Russian alternative payment systems and transactions with companies registered in special economic zones will also fall under these restrictions.

The sanctions list will see the addition of new Russian banks, the payment system «Mir,» and 118 vessels suspected of participating in sanction evasion.

Additionally, the package includes a phased reduction of imports of Russian liquefied natural gas, with a complete halt to purchases by 2027.

In February, the European Union included the cryptocurrency exchange Garantex in the 16th sanctions package against Russia.

In March, Reuters revealed that Russian oil companies are utilizing cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins like USDT, in transactions for oil exports to China and India to circumvent Western sanctions.