Since the beginning of July 2025, UnionPay cards issued by Rosselkhozbank (RSKB) have ceased to be serviced in the countries of the European Union. The bank's press service confirmed the temporary restrictions, noting that payments are still available in more than 150 countries around the world.
The only Russian bank whose UnionPay cards continue to work in Europe is the Asia-Pacific Bank (ATB). The credit institution's support service stated that their cards are accepted in Germany, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and a number of other countries. However, failures are possible in some European countries, so customers are advised to have alternative payment methods.
Experts note that RSKB's restrictions coincided with the EU's 18th package of sanctions, although the bank itself was not included in the latest list. Alexey Voilukov, Professor of Business Practice in Digital Finance at the Presidential Academy, emphasized the fact that RSKB cards had been functioning in Europe for so long, given the previously imposed restrictions.
Read more on the topic:
"Mir" expands geography: Russian payment system starts operating in Iran
"Volna" system: NSPK to launch contactless payment via iPhone without using Apple Pay
Samsung Pay removes all Russian "Mir" cards from the application due to US sanctions
