After Russia decided to invade Ukraine, many countries imposed various restrictions and bans on the nation. According to the Financial Times, the EU is considering a ban on video game console sales to Russia to prevent the country from using the devices to control drones sent to Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that PlayStation and Xbox products would be included in the next round of sanctions on February 22. Kallas mentioned that they are considering various items Russia could use in this war.
Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo have already stopped all sales in Russia since March 2022. However, this proposed sanction aims to stop traders in the bloc who are still selling these video game consoles to the country. In addition to banning the sale of video game consoles, Kallas said that they would also include chemicals used by the Russian military in the sanctions.
Gamers who heard the news quickly pointed out that the ban was pointless. “It’s useless,” one Redditor commented. “The EU never exported any consoles to Russia anyway.” Another user pointed out that the EU has never been involved in the parallel import of consoles into Russia. Others stated that China would be more than happy to make knockoffs that would be immediately shipped to Russia.
One Russian Redditor even commented that they had smugglers who deliver all the newest consoles and games. They even claimed that the country already had access to the PS5 Pro almost a week after the official launch. They did note that they couldn’t buy any DLC, as they could only purchase physical versions of the game.
The reception to this news has been much more positive in the Ukraine subreddit. Many approved of the EU’s plan to ban video game console sales to Russia. Some even wished that they would block Steam in the country. “We should stop pissing around and disconnect them from the internet,” another Redditor commented.
