Binance Ends Russian Account Limits as Country Uses Tech to Bypass Sanctions

Binance is reportedly allowing users to purchase crypto with Russian bank cards after curbing its service in the country following international sanctions.

As reported on BeInCrypto’s Russian language site, the exchange reintroduced compatibility with Russian bank-issued cards this week.

EU Sanctions and Russia’s Crypto

Binance’s crackdown on Russian accounts began following international sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

The first move came in March when Binance blocked transactions with cards issued by banks located in the Russian Federation. That decision followed a major withdrawal of Visa and Mastercard, who both ceased providing network services in the country.

A month later, in response to EU sanctions, Binance deactivated the accounts of many of its major clients. Since then, Russian users that hold crypto worth over 10,000 euros have been banned from making new deposits or trading. Users with less than 10,000 euros in crypto remained active.

However, on the morning of April 18, messages appeared on Russian Telegram channels suggesting that Binance had lifted the 10,000 euro restriction.

Following an investigation by BeInCrypto, it seems as if yes, the limit has technically been repealed. And the Binance support team seemed to confirm its withdrawal when pressed by users.

On the other hand, Binance’s official stance remains unchanged. When asked, a representative of the trading platform noted that “all current restrictions related to sanctions against Russian citizens are fully applied by the platform and its legal entities in the European Union.”

Russia Turns to Alternative PayTech

Since the invasion of Ukraine Russia has found itself increasingly locked out of critical payments infrastructure like the Swift network. Accordingly, in the wake of sweeping sanctions imposed in 2022, building new cross-border payment channels has become imperative.

In a speech this month, CBR Governor Elvira Nabiullina outlined the approach taken so far.

She said that in recent years the

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Author: James Morales

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