Türkiye suspends service to Russia's UnionPay card system

Türkiye's financial institutions have suspended service to the UnionPay card system of Russia's Gazprombank, Report informs via TASS.

Customers cannot use these cards to withdraw cash from ATMs.

The issue has been observed across state banks, private financial institutions, and foreign-owned banks operating in Türkiye. Both Gazprombank's corporate cards and individual UnionPay cards are affected by the service denial.

The development comes in the wake of new anti-Russia sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department on November 21, which included restrictions on Gazprombank, a bank that had previously avoided sanctions.

However, the bank later stated that the sanctions would not impact its operations, assuring customers that all bank cards, including foreign payment systems, would continue to function normally in stores and ATMs throughout Russia.

Gazprombank acknowledged difficulties with UnionPay cards abroad and advised customers to withdraw cash for purchases in the near future.