The European Union has enacted sanctions against 16 individuals and seven organizations linked to the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. This decision was reported by a correspondent from Suspilne.
The sanctions target those responsible for the systematic illegal deportation, forced relocation, and assimilation of Ukrainian minors, which includes indoctrination and militarized education, as well as their unlawful adoption and transportation to the Russian Federation and temporarily occupied territories.
Among the listed organizations are federal state institutions associated with the Russian Ministry of Education, such as the All-Russian Children’s Centers “Orlyatko,” “Krasnye Vitrila,” and “Zmena.” The list also includes the DOSAAF Center in Sevastopol, the Nakhimov Naval School, and the “Patriot” military-patriotic club in occupied Crimea.
The EU Council stated that these organizations, in coordination with the occupying authorities, conduct programs for Ukrainian children that expose them to pro-Russian indoctrination through patriotic events and military activities.
“They accept minors from occupied territories and impose educational frameworks that include basic military training. Such actions aim to re-educate, militarize, and undermine Ukrainian national identity,”
the EU Council reported.
Previously, the United Kingdom had imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations involved in the deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children. This included 29 individuals tied to Russia’s systematic campaign of deportation and forced militarization, alongside 56 others responsible for the Kremlin’s information warfare.
Background on the Abduction of Ukrainian Children
As of late March 2023, Daria Gerasimchuk, the President’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, indicated that Ukrainian authorities were aware of over 19,500 children being taken from temporarily occupied territories to Russia. Due to the conditions of occupation, precise numbers are difficult to ascertain.
On April 5, 2023, 49 countries condemned Russia for organizing a Security Council meeting regarding the alleged legal grounds for the abduction of Ukrainian children from occupied territories. The UK blocked the broadcast of a speech by Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, on UN platforms, calling for her to be held accountable in The Hague.
The Office of the Prosecutor General noted that there is currently no transparent algorithm or mechanism to facilitate the return of deported Ukrainian children from Russia.
On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, suspecting them of illegal deportation and relocation of Ukrainian children.
On February 17, 2026, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukraine had successfully returned 2,000 Ukrainian children.
The EU has sanctioned multiple individuals and organizations involved in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, highlighting ongoing concerns about the forced assimilation efforts. This action follows similar measures taken by the UK and underscores international condemnation of Russia's practices in occupied territories.