NSPK ruled out the impact of sanctions on the operation of Mir cards in Russia

The sanctions imposed by the United States against the HEAD of the National Payment Card System (NSPK) Vladimir Komlev will not affect the operation of the Mir payment system in RUSSIA, which is operated by NSPK, the company told RBC.

“The imposed sanctions will not affect the operation of the Mir payment system and other systems in Russia, the operation of which is provided by the National Payment Card System. In Russia, the Mir card, as well as other NSPK services, can continue to be used without restrictions,” the operator said.

Komlev came under US restrictions the day before, September 15. He was included in the sanctions list of SDN (Specially Designated Nationals) of the US Treasury, which involves the blocking of assets and isolation from the DOLLAR system.
 

Experts assessed the risks of stopping the operation of Mir cards abroad

On the same day, Washington said it was not yet imposing sanctions on the NSPK, but warned that "non-US financial institutions that enter into new or expand existing agreements with the NSPK risk supporting Russia's efforts to circumvent US sanctions." This is due to the fact that the operator processes transactions of Russian banks that fell under the sanctions. Those who cooperate with the NSPK may also be subject to blocking sanctions for working with the Russian payment system, that is, this may affect the use of Mir cards abroad.