The European Union is exploring a ban on the sale of Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation consoles to Russia as part of its upcoming sanctions package, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Tuesday.
Although major gaming companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo halted sales and services in Russia after the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the proposed EU ban would target resellers, including second-hand traders, who continue to send gaming consoles to Russia, the Financial Times reported.
“We’re examining all items that help Russia wage this war, and placing them on the sanctions list,” Kallas told reporters. “Even video game consoles, as they are apparently being used to operate drones,” she added.
The new sanctions package, expected to be unveiled around the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion on February 22, will also include import restrictions on Russian chemicals and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Although the EU has banned most Russian pipeline gas and oil imports, the bloc still imported a record 17.8 million tons of LNG from Russia in 2024. The EU has pledged to fully phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by 2027.
The sanctions package will also target Russian aluminum, according to anonymous diplomats speaking to FT.
Kallas’ remarks follow a decision by the EU on Monday to extend existing sanctions against Russia, after Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine’s suspension of Russian gas transit. The sanctions extensions are set to take effect on Friday, January 31.
