New measure to limit financial ties with Russia
The European Union is considering introducing a ban on cryptocurrency transactions with Russia as part of tightening anti-Russian sanctions. This measure is aimed at preventing the emergence of "heirs" to the Russian cryptocurrency exchange Garantex, which was added to the EU sanctions list last year.
Russia actively uses cryptocurrencies to circumvent international financial restrictions, so the EU intends to close this loophole. In addition to a direct ban on transactions, other options for tightening control, such as mandatory reporting by cryptocurrency companies on suspicious operations, are also being considered.
Experts note that despite the measures taken, it will not be easy to completely eliminate the use of cryptocurrencies to circumvent sanctions. Russian players may resort to more complex schemes or move to less regulated platforms. Nevertheless, the introduction of such restrictions may significantly complicate these practices and force Russia to seek other, less effective ways to circumvent sanctions.