In the 150 sanctions package launched on April 24, 2025, the British government included video game controllers to prevent them from being used as remote controls for military drones in Ukraine
The UK government announced on April 24, 2025, a new restriction that completely bans the export of video game controllers to Russia. The decision aims to prevent these devices, typically intended for entertainment, from being adapted by Russian forces to operate drones in military operations against Ukraine.
British authorities identified that commercial joysticks had been integrated into improvised remote control systems, allowing precise drone operations on the front lines. By adding video game controllers to the list of 150 items whose export is prohibited, the Foreign Ministry aims to “prevent consoles from being reused to kill in Ukraine,” as stated by Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty.
The ban was announced just hours after the largest drone attack on Kyiv in 2025, which combined missiles and unmanned vehicles, leaving 12 dead and 90 injured, according to official Ukrainian data. At the time, US President Donald Trump called for the immediate cessation of Moscow’s offensives.
In addition to the joysticks, the new sanctions package covers oil and gas exploration software, electronic circuits, weapon system components, machinery, metals, and chemicals essential to the Russian defense industry. The stated goal is to “choke the Kremlin’s war machine, save Ukrainian lives, and protect British companies from undue cooperation,” emphasized Doughty.
The UK’s strategy aligns with international efforts to weaken Russia’s defense and energy sectors through economic means. By removing key components from the market, London hopes to reduce Russia’s ability to maintain and modernize its arsenal, making it harder to continue military operations against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine also employs drones as a critical tool in defending its territory. In March 2025, reports showed Ukrainian drone operators using similar joysticks and virtual reality glasses to conduct reconnaissance and attack missions, highlighting the importance of these devices in modern conflicts.
Source and images: TecMundo / Creative Commons. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
