London introduces 150 new trade sanctions against Russia: Details
Photo: UK Sanctions Secretary Stephen Doughty (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom introduced a new package of sanctions against Russia on the morning of April 24. It includes, in particular, a ban on the import of video game controllers used to operate drones, Politico reports.
Thus, the British government banned the export to Russia of console game controllers used to operate drones on the front line in Ukraine.
In particular, in the new package of measures announced this morning, which includes 150 new trade sanctions against Russia, the United Kingdom also closed access to other technologies, including software that enables the search and development of new 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," stated UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty.
When the new sanctions against the Russian Federation will come into effect
The new measures take effect immediately and reflect the British government's increased focus on trade sanctions rather than financial sanctions.
Today’s package is mostly focused on depriving innovative software and technologies of access to Russia's defense and energy sectors, including video game controllers and technology transfers used in the production of Common High Priority goods.
"We’re also banning outright video game controllers going to Russia, preventing them from being used to pilot drones on the frontline, meaning gaming consoles will no longer be repurposed to kill in Ukraine," said the minister.
These include electronic products such as amplifiers and circuits, which the government describes as "critically important" for Russian military development.
It also bans the export of chemicals, electronics, machinery, and metals to limit Russia's military and industrial potential.
"Eliminating Russia’s revenues from energy supplies will devastate Putin’s war chest — that’s why we’re stopping the sale of sophisticated software used to profit from new oil and gas reserves, preventing British expertise from fueling Russia’s war machine," stated Doughty.
Britain's sanctions policy against Russia
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Britain has supported Ukraine not only with aid in the fight against aggression but also with sanctions against the aggressor country.
London regularly imposes new restrictions against the Russian economy. For example, on February 24, the United Kingdom imposed the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the early days of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At that time, sanctions were imposed against 107 companies and individuals.
In addition, the British government imposed new sanctions against Russia on February 14. Three individuals and two legal entities were included in the sanctions list.
Additionally, the United Kingdom has recently allocated £ 752 million ($990 million) to Ukraine as part of a G7 loan, utilizing proceeds from frozen Russian assets.
