BRUSSELS – The European Union announced new punitive measures Monday against Russian officials and organizations accused of systematically removing Ukrainian children from their homeland.
The sanctions target 16 individuals and seven organizations connected to what the EU Council describes as the unlawful forced deportation of Ukrainian minors, according to a statement released Monday.
European officials estimate that Russia has forcibly relocated approximately 20,500 Ukrainian children since the conflict began.
The EU Council stated these deportations represent serious violations of international law and infringe upon children’s basic rights, with the goal of eliminating Ukrainian cultural identity and damaging future generations.
Among the organizations now facing sanctions are federal agencies connected to Russia’s Education Ministry, according to the Council’s announcement.
The sanctions also target government officials and political figures from Russian-controlled territories, as well as directors of youth facilities and military-focused patriotic groups.
Under the new measures, those sanctioned will have their assets frozen, while European citizens and businesses are prohibited from providing financial support or economic resources to them. Individual targets also face restrictions on traveling to EU countries, the Council explained.
