The European Union intends to include the stablecoin A7A5 in the sanctions list — a digital asset pegged to the Russian ruble. The initiative is driven by suspicions that the token is used to circumvent international restrictions and is linked to Russian legal entities already under sanctions.
What will be banned and who will it affect?
The proposed measures imply a complete ban on the participation of European organizations — both directly and indirectly — in any operations with A7A5. This concerns not only financial institutions but also companies providing related services in the crypto and fintech sectors.
In addition, the EU plans to expand the sanctions list to include banks from Russia, Belarus, and several Central Asian states that, according to available data, participate in the infrastructure of cryptocurrency transfers.
Who is behind A7A5?
The issuer of the token is the company A7, specializing in international payments. According to regulators, control over the structure is exercised by Moldovan entrepreneur Ilan Shor and the Russian "
Promsvyazbank" — one of the key players in the Russian state financial system.
Through a network of subsidiaries, A7 provides Russian companies with tools for conducting cross-border settlements, despite the strict restrictions imposed by the US and its allies after 2022.
History of sanctions: from banks to crypto exchanges
"Promsvyazbank" was included in the sanctions lists of the EU, the US, and the UK back in 2022 — simultaneously with the crypto exchange Garantex, which soon ceased operations. In 2025, the company A7 itself fell under restrictions, which became a logical continuation of the West's efforts to block alternative channels for financing the Russian economy.
How are sanctions progressing within the EU?
It is important to note that the European Commission traditionally does not comment on proposals for sanctions until they are officially approved. The final decision requires the consensus of all 27 member states and may be adjusted during negotiations. Thus, the current initiative remains at the discussion stage.
