On April 24, the United Kingdom announced a new powerful package of sanctions against Russia. The focus is the prohibition on the supply of technologies, which, although they seem peaceful, are actively used in the war against Ukraine. In particular, it is about video game controllers who have been adapted by the Russian military to manage drones at the front.
New sanctions that enter into force immediately include more than 150 trade restrictions, the main purpose of which is to paralyze the defense-industrial potential of the Russian Federation. In addition to gaming controllers, the list of prohibited goods for export includes a wide range of technologies, including electronic components, amplifiers, circuits, chemicals, metals, machines and specialized software.
The UK sanctions Minister, Stephen Douti, explicitly stated: "We prohibit the supply of video game controllers to prevent them from using drones on the front line.
A separate emphasis is on the prohibition of software transfer, which could be used to find and develop new oil and gas fields. This is part of the Russian revenue strategy from energy exports - a key source of funding for its hostilities.
Unlike the previous waves of sanctions, the current package is focused on trade rather than financial limitations. It is a signal that London is seriously reorienting to technological pressure, trying to prevent Russia from maintaining and developing its military infrastructure.
New measures are another step in Britain in the international sanction front aimed at ending the war and restricting Russia's access to modern means of fighting.
