EU ramps up sanctions with first crypto ban aimed at Russians
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The European Union’s 19th sanctions package against Russia introduces, for the first time, a blanket prohibition on cryptocurrency transactions for Russian residents and direct targeting of crypto platforms as part of efforts to curb Moscow’s war-finance channels. The EU approved its latest sanction pack on October 22.
Under the proposed measures Russian individuals and entities will be barred from engaging in cryptocurrency transactions and European crypto-platforms will face new limits on serving Russian clients. The package also extends to foreign banks connected to russia’s alternative payment systems and entities operating in special economic zones.
The rationale behind the expansion is tied to investigations showing that Russian oil firms have used Bitcoin and stablecoins to circumvent sanctions, routing tens of millions of dollars each month. Brussels officials emphasise the initiative brings digital-asset channels into the scope of economic warfare.
The rationale behind the expansion is tied to investigations showing that Russian oil firms have used Bitcoin and stablecoins to circumvent sanctions, routing tens of millions of dollars each month. Brussels officials emphasise the initiative brings digital-asset channels into the scope of economic warfare.
Though the crypto-specific provisions are novel, the package also covers longstanding themes: an advanced ban on russian LNG imports by January 2027, transaction bans on several banks, and export controls on military-related goods.
On 19 September 2025, the European Commission unveiled details of its 19th sanctions package which now include digital-asset services among the restricted sectors.
On 19 September 2025, the European Commission unveiled details of its 19th sanctions package which now include digital-asset services among the restricted sectors.
For the first time, our restrictive measures will hit crypto platforms and prohibit transactions in cryptocurrencies,
Author
Sebile Fane cut her teeth in blockchain by building tiny NFT experiments with friends in her living room, long before the buzzwords took hold. She’s driven by a curiosity for the human stories behind smart contracts — whether it’s a small-town artist minting her first token or a DAO voting on climate grants — and weaves technical insight with genuine empathy.
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