EU’s 20th Russia Sanctions Hit Crypto: Brussels Targets Digital Finance

The European Commission has presented its 20th round of sanctions against Russia, which will target cryptocurrency platforms and digital assets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the new restrictions on February 6, 2026. The measures extend beyond traditional sectors such as energy and trade to include the digital economy. What Will Be Banned in the Crypto Sector? The new package is directed against crypto platforms, traders, and companies that, according to European regulators, are helping Russia circumvent existing sanctions. The aim is to close loopholes in digital payments and restrict cryptocurrency-based financing. While the exact wording of the measures remains unclear, the EU has indicated that it intends to strengthen oversight of how Russian users interact with crypto services. According to reports circulating on social network X, the proposed measures may include a ban on the Digital Ruble and additional restrictions on crypto services associated with Russia. Other sources suggest that platforms facilitating cryptocurrency trading for Russian users could face new limitations. Sanctions in Other Sectors In addition to crypto-related restrictions, the 20th sanctions package includes a complete ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil. The move is expected to reduce Russia's energy revenues and complicate oil supply logistics. An additional 43 vessels from the so-called “shadow fleet” will be subject to sanctions, bringing the total number of restricted ships to 640. In the trade sector, exports of goods and services to Russia worth more than €360 million are set to be banned, including rubber, tractors, and cybersecurity services. Simultaneously, import bans will be imposed on Russian metals, chemicals, and minerals worth over €570 million. In the financial sector, restrictions will apply to 20 regional Russian banks, as well as financial institutions in third countries suspected of facilitating sanctions evasion. Previous Crypto-Related Measures Cryptocurrency-related sanctions against Russia are not new for the EU. Previously introduced measures include: A prohibition on providing crypto-asset services and trust advisory services to Russian citizens Restrictions preventing Russian citizens and residents from owning, controlling, or holding positions in companies that provide crypto wallet, account, or custody services Sanctions against specific crypto service providers A reporting requirement for transfers exceeding €100,000 outside the EU involving Russian-owned or controlled entities The new package is expected to expand on these measures, with a stronger focus on crypto platforms and digital payments. Commentary From a technological perspective, sanctions targeting crypto platforms highlight the tension between centralized regulation and decentralized blockchain systems. Historically, increased regulatory pressure on centralized exchanges has coincided with growth in peer-to-peer (P2P) trading and over-the-counter (OTC) markets. Previous restrictions, such as China’s 2021 crypto ban, accelerated user migration toward decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. The effectiveness of the new sanctions may ultimately depend on how successfully regulators can enforce restrictions within an ecosystem designed to operate beyond traditional jurisdictional boundaries.