The European Union has imposed sanctions on seventeen voornamelijk Russian institutions and 10 individuals linked to the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and occupied territories, according to the European Council. The measures target entities and figures accused of facilitating the forced assimilation of Ukrainian minors through “russification” programs, including language and cultural indoctrination.
Targets Include Tourism Bodies and Regional Officials
Among the sanctioned entities is a Moscow-based municipal committee promoting tourism, as well as two Russian companies operating in the recreation and tourism sectors. In occupied Ukrainian regions, several children’s camps and sports centers were added to the sanctions list for “propaganda-based education” and “militaristic-patriotic activities.” The list also includes Roestam Minnichanov, president of the republic Tatarstan, over his role in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to camps in his region. Other sanctioned individuals include the minister of Sport and Tourism for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and several leaders of child camps. Their assets have been frozen, and they face travel bans within the EU.
EU Accuses Russia of Undermining Ukrainian Identity
The European Council stated the deportations aim to erase Ukrainian identity and undermine the preservation of future generations, violating international law and the fundamental rights of the child.
EU Confirms Continued Pressure on Russia
The European Council reiterated that the EU remains ready to continue increasing pressure on Russia by taking further sanctions. Since Russia began the large-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022, it is estimated that more than 20,500 Ukrainian children have been deported or forcibly relocated.
Worth a look