The UK Government has unveiled a fresh round of trade sanctions targeting Russia, including a ban on exporting video game controllers, which have reportedly been repurposed by Moscow to pilot drones during the conflict in Ukraine. This set of approximately 150 new restrictions focuses on depriving the Kremlin of technology critical to its war efforts and energy sector operations.
The sanctions, announced by the Foreign Office, are designed to choke off supplies of technology used within Russian defence and energy industries. Alongside prohibiting software that assists in locating and exploiting new oil and gas wells, the measures also cover certain chemicals, metals, and machinery to hinder Russia’s military capabilities.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty explained the rationale behind the sanctions, stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin had been “buying harmless goods and turning them into tools of war.” Speaking to The Independent, he said: “Today’s action clamps down on Russia’s sneaky trading and deprives Putin of the goods he desperately needs to fight his barbaric war.”
Doughty emphasised the impact on Russia’s energy revenues, which fund the war: “Cutting off Russia’s energy revenues will drain Putin’s war chest – that’s why we’re shutting down the sale of sophisticated software used to cash in on new oil and gas reserves, preventing UK expertise from being used to pour fresh fuel into Russia’s war machine.”
The ban on video game controllers is a unique aspect of the sanctions. The minister elaborated, “We’re also banning outright video game controllers going to Russia, preventing them from being used to pilot drones on the front line, meaning gaming consoles will no longer be repurposed to kill in Ukraine.”
In addition, the new export controls are intended to degrade Russia’s military production. According to Doughty, “Putin will no longer be able to get his hands on specialist technology used to produce weaponry for his illegal war.”
The announcement of the new sanctions arrives shortly after Russia imposed travel bans on 15 UK MPs and six peers, a move seen as retaliation for the UK’s sustained support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with former US President Donald Trump urging both Russia and Ukraine to accept a peace deal, though Ukraine’s government is resistant to proposals that would require relinquishing significant territories currently under Russian occupation.
The UK government has intensified calls for a ceasefire following a “brutal” overnight missile strike on Kyiv. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the recent attacks as a reminder of Russia’s role as the aggressor in the conflict. This statement followed sharp criticism from Donald Trump towards Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump suggested was an obstacle to peace.
These latest measures form part of the UK’s continuing efforts to limit Russia’s war capabilities through economic and technological sanctions while supporting Ukraine in the face of ongoing military hostilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services