UK Sanctions Russia-Linked Crypto Networks Over Ukraine War Funding

Britain has imposed new sanctions on cryptocurrency networks it says Russia uses to evade Western sanctions and finance the war in Ukraine. The Foreign Office said the measures target crypto platforms and the A7 network, which it said is used for money transfers and purchasing goods. The 18-item sanctions package covers what Britain described as an illegal financial infrastructure supporting Russian military activity. It is part of a broader effort to intensify economic pressure on Moscow as Western governments seek to restrict funding channels tied to the war. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the Kremlin cannot hide behind crypto and covert financial systems to bypass sanctions. She said Britain would continue to track and cut financial lines and would not leave safe havens for entities helping Russia. The new sanctions took effect as Western governments step up economic pressure on Russia. Britain framed the move as a direct response to networks enabling the flow of funds and goods linked to Moscow's war effort.