EU sanctions add A7A5 stablecoin and HTX exchange to Russia sanctions package

On July 23 the European Union’s Council adopted its 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia, set to take effect on August 23. The package expands sanctions on more than a hundred banks and crypto operators, adding new designations tied to the A7 network that underpins the A7A5 ruble‑backed stablecoin used by Russia to evade Western sanctions. The EU now lists Kyrgyzstan‑based A7 Agent LLC, A71 Ltd, A7 Africa and A7 Nigeria, as well as project director Leonid Valdimirovich Shumakov, among the entities targeted.

Crypto exchange HTX (Huobi Global SA) is also named, together with eleven other platforms such as EXMO, Rapira, BitPapa, Aifory Pro, WhiteBird, NoOnecrypto and Exnode. The measures give EU, EEA and Swiss residents three months to withdraw funds or close accounts with the listed services. Blockchain intelligence firms estimate the A7 network has processed roughly $120 billion, highlighting its significance in sanction‑evasion schemes.