WSJ learned about the EU plan for sanctions against VTB and crypto assets The

EU plans to expand sanctionsagainst four Russian banks, including VTB,as well as limit the ability to use cryptocurrencies to circumvent previously introduced restrictions

The European Union is considering new sanctions against Russian banks, family members of major businessmen and restrictions on the use of cryptocurrencies. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the discussion of the proposals.

According to the newspaper's interlocutors, the EU is considering imposing restrictions on four Russian banks that were previously excluded from SWIFT, including VTB. At the same time, sanctions against Gazprombank and Sberbank are not yet considered, the sources said.

European officials also plan to prevent the use of cryptocurrencies to circumvent sanctions, including considering how to prevent individuals subject to sanctions from trading between crypto assets.

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According to the publication, the EU also intends to put pressure on third countries that allow Russian businessmen and companies to withdraw assets located outside of RUSSIA, outside the zone of Western sanctions. “These discussions include the question of whether Russia should be blacklisted by the EU,” the source added, but clarified that a decision on this issue is not expected.