EU imposes total crypto ban on Russia and Belarus

The EU's 20th sanctions package bans all crypto transactions with Russian and Belarusian providers, including digital ruble assets, effective May 24, 2026.

The European Union has introduced its 20th sanctions package against Russia, marking a major shift in its approach to crypto enforcement. This package imposes a comprehensive ban on all crypto asset service providers (CASPs) registered in Russia and Belarus, prohibiting any direct or indirect transactions between EU persons and these platforms. The measures extend to decentralized platforms and explicitly include digital assets such as the digital ruble, RUBx, and the Belarusian digital ruble. These assets are now on the EU's banned crypto-assets list, with the ban taking effect on May 24, 2026. Previously, the EU targeted individual exchanges, but sanctioned entities often evaded restrictions by rebranding or relocating. The new, broader ban aims to dismantle financial networks used for sanctions evasion and prevent the emergence of substitute platforms. The package also unlocks a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.