UK issues ban against Russia to thwart drone pilots as FCDO hits out at 'Putin's cronies'

Seemingly innocuous video controllers can be repurposed (Image: Getty)

Exports of video game console controllers to Russia have been banned by the UK Government amid growing concerns that they are being used to pilot drones on the battlefield in Ukraine. The move is part of a fresh package of 150 trade sanctions announced this morning, targeting key sectors of Russia’s defence and energy industries. Ministers say the aim is to prevent British technology from being repurposed for military use by the Kremlin, especially in ways that aid its war effort.

Other items blocked from export include sophisticated software used to identify and exploit new oil and gas wells, alongside chemicals, machinery and electronic components such as amplifiers and circuits.

Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said: “Today, we are flexing our powers to choke the Russian war machine, save Ukrainian lives and protect British businesses from cynical Russian exploitation.

The aftermath of a Shahed attack on Kharkiv (Image: Getty)

“We’re also banning outright video game controllers going to Russia, preventing them from being used to pilot drones on the front line, meaning gaming consoles will no longer be repurposed to kill in Ukraine.”

Both sides' increasing use of consumer-grade equipment to enhance their military capabilities has been a feature of the conflict.

Commercially available drone systems can often be modified and integrated with cheap, off-the-shelf controllers to undertake reconnaissance or deliver munitions.

These devices are often controlled using video game peripherals, such as PlayStation or Xbox controllers, which offer a familiar interface and allow for precise manoeuvring.

Such an approach has made drone warfare more accessible and challenging to counter, with even basic gaming hardware proving lethal when adapted for battlefield use. Russian forces have reportedly relied on such improvised systems to sustain drone operations in Ukraine, prompting the UK to act.

The new restrictions come into force immediately and reflect the Government’s growing emphasis on trade sanctions as a means of economic pressure

While previous efforts have centred on financial sanctions, the focus is now shifting to technology, with the establishment of the Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) in October 2024 under the Department for Business and Trade.

Officials say the intent is twofold: to hinder Russia’s military development and to cut off the resources funding its war.

Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty in the Commons (Image: PA)

Mr Doughty said “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.”

The latest sanctions form part of a broader strategy to limit Russia’s access to advanced technology, particularly dual-use items with both civilian and military applications.

By banning even apparently innocuous products such as game controllers, the UK hopes to close off avenues that might otherwise be exploited to support the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.