Almost all banks in Armenia have canceled the operation of Russian Mir cards

Starting March 30, Armenian commercial banks will stop servicing cards of the Russian Mir payment system. An exception will be made for cards issued by the Armenian branch of Russian state-owned VTB Bank: users will be able to withdraw cash and make purchases.

The reason for the work stoppage was the introduction of US sanctions against NSPK, the operator of the Russian payment system. The Union of Banks of Armenia explained the decision with the risks of secondary sanctions.

Earlier, Armenia announced its desire to become a candidate for membership in the European Union. In addition, Yerevan froze its participation in the pro-Russian military-political bloc CSTO.

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