EU Imposes Sweeping Sanctions on Russia's Crypto Infrastructure, Banning Platforms and Ruble-Backed Assets

Gate News message, April 28 — The European Union has rolled out its most extensive sanctions package in two years, targeting Russia's financial system and cryptocurrency infrastructure to close off alternative transaction routes used to bypass existing restrictions.

Key measures include a total ban on Russian crypto platforms, transactions with Russian-based crypto service providers and decentralized exchanges, and rouble-linked stablecoins. The EU has also prohibited support for Russia's digital rouble and restricted transactions involving specific crypto assets, while outlawing mechanisms such as netting arrangements that could enable sanctions evasion. These actions aim to counter Russia's increasing reliance on digital assets to facilitate cross-border transactions under sanctions.

Beyond cryptocurrency, the sanctions package extends to energy exports, trade flows, and the military-industrial sector. EU officials stated the measures are designed to sustain pressure on Moscow and push it towards negotiations aligned with Ukraine's conditions.