The United Kingdom banned the export of video game controllers to Russia out of concern Vladimir Putin’s military could repurpose the gaming devices and use them to command drones in its war against Ukraine.
“Putin thought he could use British markets to boost his war effort, buying harmless goods and turning them into tools of war — but the U.K. is exposing and acting on this sinister trade,” Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty reportedly said.
The country’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office added control pads to a list of 150 trade sanctions Thursday, according to the BBC.
The ban also included chemicals, metals and other electronics Putin has allegedly obtained stealthily to continue Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , which began in February 2022.
Similar measures were proposed by The European Union earlier this year.
“Today’s action clamps down on Russia’s sneaky trading and deprives Putin of the goods he desperately needs to fight his barbaric war,” Doughty added.
At least 12 people were killed in an overnight attack on Ukraine’s capital that claimed more than 100 casualties.
“Vladimir, STOP!” President Trump posted on social media during the deadly strike.
The Trump administration has recently expressed frustration over its attempts to broker a peace deal in Ukraine. Trump blames Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for complicating matters.
One sticking point in negotiations has been Ukraine’s refusal to concede the Crimean peninsula, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Ukraine is also seeking guarantees against future Russian aggression.
With News Wire Services
