The European Union approved its 21st Russia sanctions package on 23 July, adding 218 listings in total. Among them, 14 crypto-related service platforms across six jurisdictions — Georgia, Panama, UAE, Marshall Islands, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus — now face transaction bans. For the first time, the EU created a mechanism to impose a full third-country ban on crypto-asset services, if required. Four asset-freeze designations tied to the A7 payments network also raise routing risk for intermediaries.
The 14 platforms and their deadlines
The Official Journal lists all 14 entries with entry-into-force dates in August 2026. On 13 August, bans hit A7 Nigeria, A7 Africa, and PilotFinance Ltd. On 23 August, the list expands to include Rapira, Aifory Pro (Sooty Ltd.), ABCeX (Nueva Cryptologia S.A.S DE C.V.), WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto INC., Tradex (Brightum LLC), Monease Ltd, BitPapa, Exnode, Exnode Pay (Arvix), HTX (HUOBI GLOBAL SA), and EXMO Ltd. EU persons and firms must not transact with these services directly or indirectly after those dates.
A new tool: third-country crypto bans
This package marks a first: the EU now has a mechanism to impose a full ban on crypto-asset services in a third country. The tool is designed to be used if needed, though the current package doesn't activate it. It gives Brussels a way to cut off entire jurisdictions from crypto services, not just individual platforms. That's a significant escalation in sanctions enforcement.
A7 network designations
Four of the new asset-freeze designations are linked to the A7 payments network. That network processes transactions across multiple jurisdictions, and the designations mean any intermediary touching A7-related flows could face sanctions risk. The move signals the EU is looking beyond individual platforms to the infrastructure that moves money.
Compliance steps for VASPs
The article accompanying the sanctions provides practical advice for VASPs and fintechs. Freeze onboarding of any clients linked to the listed platforms. Cut API connections to those services. Review transaction monitoring rules to catch indirect dealings. The deadlines are tight — the first bans take effect 13 August, giving firms less than three weeks to comply.
