The European Union (EU) has imposed the fifth round of sanctions against Russia in light of its continuing war against Ukraine.
The advice has targeted cryptocurrency wallets as it aims to close potential loopholes in existing restrictions that could allow Russians to circumvent sanctions and move money.
Fifth Round of Sanctions Against Russia
In a press release, the member states of the EU have agreed to extend the prohibition of deposits to crypto-wallets. Such service providers in the region were already required to impose sanctions and ban transactions from targeted users. However, the additional prohibition comes as regulators look to strengthen existing measures and close loopholes.
Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said:
“These latest sanctions were adopted following the atrocities committed by the Russian armed forces in Bucha and other places under Russian occupation. The purpose of our sanctions is to put an end to the reckless, inhumane and aggressive behavior of Russian troops and to impress on Kremlin decision-makers that their unlawful aggression comes at a high cost.
The series of targeted economic measures by the EU comes weeks after ECB President Christine Lagarde warned cryptocurrency firms against helping Russians dodge sanctions. A long-time critic of the industry, Lagarde asserted that cryptocurrencies were being used despite little evidence to back the claim.
A similar statement came from Wally Adeyemo, the 15th Under Secretary of the United States Treasury, last week. He warned crypto platforms and financial institutions not to help Russia circumvent financial sanctions.
Arguments By Crypto Players on Sanction Evasion
While cryptocurrencies have helped the Ukrainian government at a time of crisis as donations poured, the skyrocketing trading volume from Russia just after the war broke out led global regulatory authorities to believe that oligarchs are using such assets to circumvent the sanctions.
As the war continued, many claimed the cryptocurrency industry was being used by Russian entities to circumvent imposed sanctions. Even though several prominent industry experts have refuted these claims, the allegations have not stopped. FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried for his part expressed frustration with the ongoing dispute.
Binance CEO CZ also stated that nobody smart would use crypto to evade sanctions due to the transparency of blockchain tech.
