The European Union has imposed a new round of sanctions targeting 20 additional Russian banks, further restricting their ability to conduct euro transactions and access international financial systems like SWIFT.

The measures are part of the EU’s 20th sanctions package in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and expand the total number of sanctioned Russian lenders to around 70.

The EU also added banks from Kyrgyzstan, Laos, and Azerbaijan to crack down on efforts to bypass restrictions, while banning crypto-related business with Russian firms.

New export controls on high-tech goods to Kyrgyzstan mark the EU’s first use of an anti-circumvention tool aimed at closing loopholes, Politico has reported.

The package was finalized after Hungary and Slovakia withdrew objections, with EU leaders emphasizing continued unity in supporting Ukraine.