Overview

• Britain sanctioned eight entities and individuals, focusing on Kyrgyzstan’s Capital Bank and a director of the ruble‑pegged A7A5 token alleged to facilitate sanctions evasion.
• London says A7A5 moved about $9.3 billion through cryptocurrency exchanges in four months and was designed to bypass Western restrictions.
• An EU Commission spokesperson said the bloc is drafting a 19th sanctions package against Russia with approval targeted for next month, while details remain undisclosed.
• Russia responded with its own measures by sanctioning 21 people, including journalists and a former Labour lawmaker.
• Bank of Russia chief Elvira Nabiullina and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov have warned that growth is cooling, resources are depleted, and recession risk is rising.