EU Adds HTX to Sweeping 18-Entity Russia Sanctions List

HTX Sanctions Take Effect August 23 Under EU Rules

The European Union added cryptocurrency exchange HTX to its Russia sanctions list on Thursday, July 24, 2026, as part of the bloc's 21st sanctions package targeting entities accused of helping Russia evade Western financial restrictions. Announced in Brussels, the measure bars EU individuals and companies from transacting with HTX starting August 23, giving European users roughly 30 days to withdraw assets from the platform before the ban takes effect.

EU's 21st Sanctions Package Targets Crypto Platforms

HTX, formerly known as Huobi and controlled by Hong Kong billionaire Justin Sun since 2022, was named alongside 17 other entities, including crypto platforms EXMO, Rapira, and BitPapa, that the EU said provided crypto-asset or payment services undermining sanctions against Russia. The package, described as the bloc's largest sanctions action in four years, also designated 218 individuals and entities overall and extended transaction bans to 94 banks and 33 additional Russian financial institutions. The measure stops short of a full asset freeze, instead restricting EU operators from engaging in transactions with the exchange.

HTX Faced Earlier UK Sanctions Over Russia Ties

The EU action follows similar UK sanctions imposed on HTX in May, which alleged the exchange supported Russia's government through financial services tied to sanctioned payments network A7 and exchange Garantex. HTX has said regulatory compliance remains its top priority across all jurisdictions where it operates.

The designation could accelerate a shift among European users toward more regulated exchanges, while raising compliance costs for platforms operating near sanctioned networks.

As the EU expands its authority to restrict crypto providers in third countries, more exchanges connected to sanctioned financial networks may face similar coordinated action from Western regulators. Analysts note the EU's approach signals it now treats crypto exchanges within the same enforcement framework as traditional financial institutions, rather than as a separate regulatory category.