PANews reported on June 10th, citing Bits.media, that EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated that the EU plans to restrict 11 cryptocurrency platforms in its 21st round of sanctions, claiming these platforms helped Russian authorities and companies circumvent international sanctions. The new measures will also tighten the ban on providing crypto-asset-related services to third countries, expand the sanctions list, and prohibit transactions with these 11 cryptocurrency platforms, though the platform names were not disclosed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the new sanctions aim to increase pressure on Russia to maintain the structure of international financial channels.

In addition, the new sanctions will also affect approximately 90 Russian banks, 31 of which may face a complete ban on all transactions. The EU already imposed sanctions on Russian-registered cryptocurrency transfer and exchange service providers in its 20th round of sanctions, which took effect on May 24.