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EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions Ban Russian Crypto Providers and Ruble Tokens

Brussels shifts from naming actors to tightening the payment rails of Russia-linked crypto.

Overview

  • The EU adopted the package on April 23, adding 120 new listings in its largest round in two years.
  • The measures impose a blanket ban on using crypto service providers and DeFi platforms established in Russia, extend matching curbs to Belarus, and sanction Kyrgyz exchange TengriCoin linked to Russia-facing flows.
  • The rules prohibit transactions in the digital ruble and the RUBx stablecoin and bar EU support for developing Russia’s central bank digital currency.
  • Financial steps add transaction bans for 20 Russian banks and four foreign institutions tied to Russia’s SPFS network and outlaw netting schemes that use payment agents to mask cross‑border payments.
  • Energy and shipping actions add 46 shadow‑fleet vessels to EU port and service bans for a total of 632, restrict services to Russian LNG vessels and terminals, tighten tanker sale due diligence, and set a legal basis for a future oil transport prohibition.