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UK Imposes 150 New Sanctions on Russia, Blocking “Killer” Game Controllers and Cutting Vital Energy Revenues

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Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko
Dariia Mykhailenko
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UK Imposes 150 New Sanctions on Russia, Blocking “Killer” Game Controllers and Cutting Vital Energy Revenues
UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty. (Source: Stephen Doughty/X)

On April 24, the United Kingdom introduced a new list of sanctions targeting Russia’s military supply chain, Politico reported on April 24.

The British government has outlawed the export of gaming console controllers to Russia, citing their use in piloting drones on the front lines in Ukraine.

This move is part of a broader package of 150 new trade sanctions announced today. Alongside the controller ban, the UK is cutting off access to key technologies, including advanced software used to scout and develop oil and gas wells.

“Today, we are flexing our powers to choke the Russian war machine, save Ukrainian lives and protect British businesses from cynical Russian exploitation,” said UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty.

The measures, effective immediately, reflect a strategic pivot toward trade-focused restrictions that aim to paralyze Russia’s industrial and military capabilities.

Among the banned items: video game controllers repurposed to operate frontline drones in Ukraine, and technology transfers essential for manufacturing high-priority components. These include electronic goods like amplifiers and circuits, which UK officials label as “critical” for Russia’s military advancement.

“We’re banning game controllers used to pilot drones on the battlefield. These consoles will no longer be tools of war in Ukraine,” Doughty emphasized.

The sanctions also block exports of chemicals, electronics, machinery, and metals – aiming to restrict the Kremlin’s ability to wage and sustain 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 Minister added.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved sanctions against three Chinese companies accused of providing military-related materials to Russia, reflecting heightened concerns about China’s potential involvement in bolstering the Kremlin’s war effort against Ukraine.

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