🚨 EU’s 19th Sanctions Package: Crypto, Banks, and Diplomatic Shenanigans! 🚀

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So, the European Union has decided to unleash its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, because apparently, 18 times wasn’t enough to get the message across. This time, they’re going after everything from energy to banks, crypto exchanges, and even entities in China. It’s like a sanctions buffet, and everyone’s invited-except Russia, of course. 🍽️

Cryptocurrency, that elusive digital unicorn, is also in the crosshairs. The EU is determined to stop Russia from using it to bypass sanctions, because nothing says “we mean business” like cutting off their access to Bitcoin and its cousins. 🦄💰

“We’ve just adopted our 19th package of sanctions,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, with all the enthusiasm of someone who’s just discovered a new level of bureaucracy. “It targets Russian energy, banks, crypto exchanges, and entities in China, among others. Oh, and we’re also keeping an eye on Russian diplomats, because apparently, they’ve been up to no good. Shocking, I know.” 😒

We just adopted our 19th sanctions package.

It targets Russian banks, crypto exchanges, entities in India and China, among others.

The EU is curbing Russian diplomats’ movements to counter the attempts of destabilisation.

It is increasingly harder for Putin to fund this war. 🎭🤑

– Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 23, 2025

The A7A5 Stablecoin: Russia’s Crypto Darling 💔

Apparently, Russia has been cozying up to the A7A5 stablecoin, a state-backed digital currency that’s been helping them dodge sanctions like a pro. The EU, not one to take this lying down, has decided to target its developer, its Kyrgyz issuer, and the platform where it’s traded. Transactions involving this stablecoin are now banned across the EU, because nothing says “game over” like cutting off the money supply. 🎮

Banks and Payment Systems: The Never-Ending Crackdown 🏦

In other news, eight banks and oil traders from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, the UAE, and Hong Kong are now on the EU’s naughty list for helping Russia circumvent sanctions. Five Russian banks-Istina, Zemsky Bank, Commercial Bank Absolut Bank, MTS Bank, and Alfa-Bank-are also feeling the heat. And let’s not forget the four banks in Belarus and Kazakhstan that are getting the boot for their ties to Russian payment systems. It’s like a financial soap opera, but with fewer love triangles and more transaction bans. 📉

The EU is also giving Russia’s National Payment Card System (“Mir”) and the Fast Payments System (“SBP”) the cold shoulder. And to top it off, they’ve slapped strict limits on business dealings with companies in nine Russian special economic zones. Because if you can’t beat ‘em, sanction ‘em. 🥊

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the ruble-backed A7A5 stablecoin had handled over $6 billion in cross-border transactions since August, even after U.S. sanctions targeted some of its operators. Clearly, Russia’s been busy. 🕵️♂️

Russia’s Crypto Legalization: A Bold Move or a Desperate One? 🤔

Meanwhile, Russia is taking a giant leap into the world of digital currencies by legalizing crypto for international trade. The government believes this will help control a market that’s been operating like the Wild West. Because nothing says “stability” like legalizing something that’s been used to dodge sanctions. 🤠

The EU’s sanctions highlight their determination to curb Russia’s use of digital currencies, while Russia’s push to legalize crypto shows just how crucial these tools have become for cross-border trade. It’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, and the world is watching with popcorn in hand. 🍿

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2025-10-23 18:51