The EU has expanded sanctions against Russia over the abduction of Ukrainian children

The European Union has imposed restrictive measures against an additional 23 individuals and entities responsible for the forced removal and assimilation of Ukrainian children. The decision was adopted by the Council of the EU on Monday, May 11, the day of the meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Minors. 

This is stated in a press release from the EU Council.

The new sanctions lists include 16 individuals and seven organizations, among them officials and politicians from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. The restrictions also apply to leaders of youth camps and military-patriotic clubs involved in the ideological indoctrination and militarization of abducted children. The EU emphasizes that these individuals contribute to the forced imposition of Russian military culture and glorify aggressive warfare.

According to official data, since the start of the invasion, Russia has deported nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children, which constitutes a gross violation of international law. The measures introduced are aimed at holding accountable those who organize illegal adoptions and attempt to destroy the Ukrainian identity of future generations. The Council of the EU emphasizes that such actions threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

A high-level meeting dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children deported by Russia will take place in Brussels on May 11. It will be jointly hosted by the European Union, Ukraine, and Canada. During the event, participants plan to discuss specific mechanisms for returning the children to Ukraine, as well as steps to hold Russia accountable.

Ukraine has managed to return two children who were left without parental care in Kazakhstan and found themselves in a foreign country. The brother and sister were evacuated from Almaty following a complex, multi-stage operation coordinated by Ukrainian authorities. The children are now safely at home.