EU's June 9 Sanctions Add Third-Country Crypto Ban Powers; Russia Unveils up to 3% Fees on USDT and USDC

On June 9, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package, including a mechanism that could bar crypto-asset services tied to foreign countries deemed to help sanctions evasion. Hours later at SPIEF 2026, Russia's Deputy Finance Minister Ivan Chebeskov said Russia would impose fees of up to 3% on Western-linked stablecoins, including USDT and USDC. The package also expands transaction bans to additional entities and adds more Russian banks to existing restrictions.