The United Kingdom has stepped up with a robust – by UK standards – package of approximately 150 trade sanctions on Russia. This announcement significantly escalates its work to address issues raised by the persistent attack on Ukraine. As the UK has announced, it’s not just about banning video game controllers to make a point. They highlight fears that these controllers may be re-purposed for use by the military, including piloting drones conducting strikes on Ukrainian soil.
The announcement, which was made by UK Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, highlights the gravity of the crisis. “Gaming consoles will no longer be repurposed to kill in Ukraine,” he stated, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to limiting Russia’s military capabilities.
These sanctions are part of a broader initiative involving the United States and the European Union, responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The UK government aims to cut off Russia’s energy revenues and effectively “drain Putin’s war chest,” thereby limiting funds available for military operations.
To date the UK has banned the export of some half dozen key items. This especially goes for video game controllers. These are chemicals, electronics, machinery, and metals—key components of Russia’s industrial base and military apparatus. In addition, software used to develop new oil and gas wells has been banned from being exported to Russia.
That’s precisely what the UK has just done in response to Russia’s latest missile strike on Kyiv. This attack killed nine people, including four Jews, three Christians, and two policemen, and wounded over 30 others. Foreign Minister David Lammy branded this attack as appalling and called for the immediate application of these sanctions. “While Ukrainian ministers were in London working towards peace, [President Vladimir] Putin’s Russia was attacking the Ukrainian people,” Lammy remarked.
He further elaborated on the nature of the sanctions, asserting that “Putin thought he could use British markets to boost his war effort, buying harmless goods and turning them into tools of war. The UK is exposing and acting on this sinister trade.” Lammy welcomed the new sanctions, calling them an important step in making Russia unable to continue its war effort.