The new measures enter into force immediately and reflect the government’s greater focus on trade sanctions, as opposed to financial sanctions. The Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) was created in October 2024, sitting under the Department for Business and Trade.
Today’s package largely focuses on cutting off innovative software and technology from reaching Russia’s defense and energy sectors, including video games controllers used to pilot drones in the war against Ukraine, and the transfer of technology used in the production of Common High Priority goods. These include electronic items like amplifiers and circuits, which the government describes as “critical” to Russian military development.
It also prohibits the export of chemicals, electronics, machinery and metals to limit Russia’s military and industrial capabilities.
“Cutting off Russia’s energy revenues will drain Putin’s war chest — that’s why we’re shutting down the sale of sophisticated software used to cash in on new oil and gas reserves, preventing UK expertise from being used to pour fresh fuel into Russia’s war machine,” said Doughty.
“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.”
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