European authorities have adopted the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The App2Top editorial team reviewed the documents on the Council of the European Union website and did not find the previously promised ban on the supply of gaming consoles to the country.
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It became known a month ago that the European Union plans to ban the export of consoles to Russia. At the end of January, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russians might use consoles to control drones.
Instead of consoles, the new package of sanctions includes a ban on exporting various gaming controllers, gamepads, joysticks, “and other input devices for video game consoles or entertainment systems, whether wired or wireless,” to Russia. The ban is explained by the same reason — this equipment can be used to control drones.
Previously, the head of the "Russian Association of Video Game Distributors and Importers," Yasha Haddaji, told "RBC" that the EU ban on exporting consoles to Russia would not affect the availability of equipment in the country. He indicated that console manufacturers are not based in Europe, and supplies bypass the region.