Ukraine Sanctions Russian Crypto Networks in Major Crackdown on War Financing
Ukraine has imposed sweeping sanctions against Russian-linked cryptocurrency operations, targeting 19 mining entities, 17 digital asset operators, and five exchanges in a decisive move to disrupt Moscow's wartime financing channels. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decree freezes assets of 60 firms and 73 individuals across multiple jurisdictions, including Cyprus and the UAE, accused of facilitating sanctions evasion.
The crackdown coincides with escalated military hostilities in eastern Ukraine and follows revelations that billions flowed through sanctioned channels to Russia's defense industry. 'This is precision economic warfare,' a Kyiv official remarked, noting the inclusion of payment infrastructure providers in the sanctions package.