EU unveils 21st Russia sanctions package, extending bans to banks and crypto platforms

The European Union on Thursday approved its 21st round of sanctions against Russia, a package described as the 21st set of measures tied to the war in Ukraine. Reporting says the measures include restrictions affecting digital-asset firms in addition to banks and oil trading-related websites, with the intent of limiting Russia’s ability to operate under sanctions ^[1].

According to Reuters, summarized by another outlet, the sanctions package agreed by EU member state envoys places 94 Russian financial institutions and the Moscow Exchange under full sanctions, expands transaction bans on additional crypto platforms, and includes for the first time measures targeting vessels supporting Russia’s shadow fleet. The same reporting also says the oil price cap is frozen at $44.10 per barrel for 12 months ^[2].

Additional coverage says the package expands crypto-platform restrictions to more than 100 entities, and that it targets 11 unnamed crypto platforms alleged to help with sanctions evasion ^{[3] [4]}.

The EU’s latest sanctions package broadens restrictions across traditional finance and digital-asset infrastructure, including expanded limits on certain crypto platforms identified in the measures ^{[2] [4]}.