UK imposes 150 new sanctions against Russia

The British government has banned the export to Russia of game console controllers used to control drones on the front lines in Ukraine, Politico reports.

In a new package of measures announced this morning that includes 150 new trade sanctions against Russia, the U.K. also cut off access to other technology in the country, including software that allows it to find and develop new oil and gas wells.

“Today we are using our powers to strangle the Russian war machine, save Ukrainian lives and protect British businesses from cynical exploitation by Russia,” said UK sanctions minister Stephen Doughty.

The new measures take effect immediately and reflect the British government's greater focus on trade sanctions rather than financial sanctions.

Today's package is largely focused on denying innovative software and technology access to Russia's defense and energy sectors, including video game controllers and the transfer of technology used in the production of Common High Priority goods.

“We are completely banning the import of video game controllers into Russia to prevent them from being used to control drones on the front lines, which means game consoles will no longer be used to kill in Ukraine,” the minister said.

These include electronic products, such as amplifiers and circuits, that the government describes as critical to Russian military development.

It bans exports of chemicals, electronics, machinery and metals in order to limit Russia's military and industrial capabilities.

“Eliminating Russia's energy revenues will devastate Putin's military coffers - which is why we are stopping the sale of sophisticated software used to cash in on new oil and gas reserves, preventing British expertise from being used to fuel the Russian war machine,” Doughty said.

Photo: detector.media.