European Union: Council adopted 19th package of sanctions against Russia including prohibition on cryptocurrency transactions

On 23 October 2025, the Council adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, including a prohibition on cryptocurrency transactions. The package also includes a transaction ban on additional banks in Russia and on banks in third countries. The proposal includes a listing of foreign banks connected to Russian alternative payment service systems, which are to be explicitly banned. Finally, the package includes restrictions on transactions with entities in special economic zones.