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What simply occurred? Three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the UK has joined the European Union in a brand new spherical of sanctions focusing on know-how exports. The newest measures embrace restrictions on online game controllers and different shopper electronics, with officers stating their aim is to degrade Russia’s navy capabilities.
Whereas the Pentagon now makes use of custom-built controllers to operate its programs, Russia continues to depend on off-the-shelf online game controllers manufactured within the West. Authorities within the UK purpose to dam exports of those gadgets after studies revealed that Russian forces have repurposed them to manage drones in Ukraine air strikes.
The controller ban is a part of 150 new commerce sanctions imposed by the UK, which is now aligning with the EU’s earlier technique. International Workplace Minister Stephen Doughty says Russia has exploited British shopper markets for too lengthy by buying seemingly innocent gaming merchandise and repurposing them for navy use.
“Online game consoles will not be exploited to kill individuals in Ukraine,” he mentioned.
Officers in London say the brand new measures purpose to clamp down on Russia’s efforts to avoid commerce restrictions and purchase tools for its navy. Doughty confirmed that gaming controllers are a part of a broader bundle of export bans designed to weaken Russia’s armed forces.
Different banned merchandise embrace software program for figuring out new gasoline sources similar to oil and gasoline. The sanctions additionally cowl exports of chemical compounds, electronics, metals, equipment, and software program instruments linked to the power and protection sectors. Doughty mentioned these applied sciences may contribute to Russia’s weapons manufacturing.
The UK introduced the brand new sanctions following one among Russia’s deadliest strikes on Kyiv in latest weeks. On Thursday, Russian forces launched a barrage of “dumb” missiles and 215 drones in a single day, killing 9 individuals and injuring dozens extra. Russia claimed the assault focused Ukraine’s navy services.
After the assault, UK International Minister David Lammy condemned Russia for focusing on Ukrainians whereas Kyiv officers had been in London to debate a possible peace treaty. Even President Donald Trump, who beforehand expressed belief in Vladimir Putin’s phrase concerning Ukraine’s invasion, referred to as on the Russian chief to “cease” killing civilians as soon as and for all.
