EU Adds Crypto Exchange HTX To Russia Sanctions List

The European Union has added crypto exchange HTX, formerly known as Huobi Global, to its sanctions list targeting Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The move comes as part of a broader package listing 18 entities accused of providing crypto or payment services that undermine existing EU restrictions.

EU Cites Role In Circumventing Restrictions

According to a Thursday decision from the European Council, the amended measures were introduced due to Russia’s continued actions destabilizing Ukraine. EU officials said the bloc has repeatedly worked to identify financial institutions and crypto or payment service providers that help sustain financial support for Russia’s war effort, including entities enabling circumvention of existing EU sanctions. HTX has stated that regulatory compliance remains its top priority and that it strictly monitors regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

Sanctions Follow Earlier UK Action

The EU’s decision comes shortly after the United Kingdom imposed similar sanctions on HTX in May, citing reasonable grounds to suspect the exchange supported Russia’s government through financial services tied to sanctioned entities. The same day, EU officials also announced a separate measure barring Belarusian nationals and residents from owning or managing crypto exchanges under the bloc’s Markets in Crypto Assets framework.