Sanctions Minister, said:
"Putin thought he could use British markets to boost his war
effort, buying harmless goods and turning them into tools of war
- but the UK is exposing and acting on this sinister
trade. Today's action clamps down on Russia's sneaky trading
and deprives Putin of the goods he desperately needs to fight his
barbaric war.
“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.
“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.
“And our tough new measures will also degrade Russia's military
machine – new export sanctions mean Putin will no longer be able
to get his hands on specialist technology used to produce
weaponry for his illegal war.
“Today, we are flexing our powers to choke the Russian war
machine, save Ukrainian lives and protect British businesses from
cynical Russian exploitation.”
BACKGROUND CONTEXT POINTS:
- The UK is implementing a sweeping package of over 150 new
trade measures against Russia. The new measures came into force
today (24 April) and will:
- Ban the export of innovative software and technology used in
Russian defence and energy sectors. This includes powerful
software used to search for and exploit new oil and gas wells.
- Close loopholes by banning the transfer of technology used in
the production of Common High Priority
goods.
- Ban outright the export of video games controllers, which we
know are being used to pilot drones on the frontline in Ukraine.
- Prohibit the export of items including chemicals,
electronics, machinery and metals in a bid to limit the military
and industrial capabilities of Russia even further.
