Kraken, an EE.UU.-based cryptocurrency exchange, joined the list of platforms that restrict service to Russian customers. The decision is the result of the most recent sanctions the European Union (EU) imposed on the largest land-based nation for its invasion of Ukraine.

At first, the California-based exchange Kraken refused to emulate him. Recently, Jesse Powell, the company's former director executive, argued that because bitcoin is the embodiment of free market values, the company will not block Russian users unless there is a legal requirement to do so.

But at the beginning of this month, the situation changed when the EU hit Russia with yet another package of sanctions. These included the ban on any cryptocurrency transactions between Russian and European providers of paper currency, which led to Kraken's change in meaning.

The company just informed its customers through email that it will close all Russian customers' accounts. But they will be able to withdraw their funds.