MOSCOW, January 18. /TASS/. VTB keeps plans to continue operations Crimea via the Russian National Commercial Bank (RNCB) that will join the VTB Group this year, the press service of VTB told TASS.

Sberbank starts operations in the Crimean Peninsula, with offices in major cities of the region to be opened in the first half of this year, the credit institution’s press service said earlier today.

"VTB intends to operate in Crimea, relying on the largest bank of the region - RNCB. We plan RNCB will join the Group as early as in this year," the press service of the bank said.

Crimea has been under sanctions pressure for many years. The Russian National Commercial Bank, which became a member of the VTB Group, was the key bank of the region. Promsvyazbank started its operations on the peninsula last year.