“The EU proposes to prohibit the sale of video game equipment to Russia to prevent the country’s armed forces to manage drones that are sent to Ukraine.”, – WRITE: epravda.com.ua
The EU proposes to prohibit the sale of video game equipment to Russia to prevent the country’s armed forces to manage drones that are sent to Ukraine. About it reports the newspaper Financial Times. Kai Callas, the head of EU foreign policy, said consoles, such as PlayStation from Sony and Xbox from Microsoft, will be included in the new round of sanctions that should coincide with the third anniversary of a full -scale invasion of Russia into Ukraine on February 24. “We carefully study all the types of things that help Russia to wage this war to add them to the sanctions list,” Callas told reporters. “Even video game consoles, because it turns out that they manage drones.” Advertising: Russia was forced to look for alternatives after Western sanctions restricted access to military and electronic components by contacting Turkey, UAE and China suppliers. to strengthen your arsenal. The three largest game console manufacturers – American Microsoft and Japanese Nintendo and Sony – stopped sales in Russia in March 2022. The ban on the EU will be directed to the merchants inside the block who supply game equipment to Russia, including sellers of used equipment. The ban will cover consoles, gamepads, flight controllers, joystics and other control devices that can remotely control drones, said EU representatives. Advertising: China is the largest supplier of such goods to Russia, selling equipment for more than $ 120 million last year, according to Trade Data Monitor. It is a significant increase compared to $ 30 million in 2022, when Russia’s invasion forced Western companies to stop operating in this market. “Drone control controllers are important for military operations, and they should definitely be banned,” – said Elena Belousova, a military expert and double use of goods of the Kiev School of Economics. However, it has warned that the EU ban may not have a significant impact, as most operators use Chinese controllers that are available on online markets in Russia. Callas also reported that the list of sanctions will include chemicals, “necessary for the Russian military industry,” as well as restrictions on imports of liquefied natural gas (PPG). Recall that on the initiative of the Babe analysts, the NSDC decision on December 16 applied personal sanctions on 4 legal entities and 2 individuals involved in the manufacture of Russian FPV fighting.