UK, EU Sanction Russian Networks Over Abducted Ukrainian Children

The UK and EU imposed new sanctions on Russian officials, organizations and media linked to the deportation and militarization of Ukrainian children and Kremlin propaganda operations on Monday. The EU is also preparing broader measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, banks and defense sector. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (For illustrative purposes) Scouts of the ‘Plast’ National Scout Organization of Ukraine hold the Bethlehem flame of peace at the railway station in Kyiv, on Dec. 15, 2024, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Anatolii STEPANOV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The UK and EU announced new sanctions on Monday, May 11, targeting Russian individuals and entities involved in the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, as well as Kremlin-backed propaganda and influence operations. In a press release , the British government said it imposed sanctions on 85 individuals and organizations in what it described as one of its toughest crackdowns on hostile Russian activity to date. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The EU separately sanctioned 16 individuals and 7 entities linked to the unlawful deportation, forced transfer and militarization of Ukrainian minors. The UK sanctions include officials involved in what London called the “Russification” of Ukrainian children, including youth camps, military-patriotic organizations and occupation officials in Russian-controlled territories. Among those sanctioned is the Warrior Centre, which Britain said subjects Ukrainian children to military training and pro-Kremlin ideology, as well as officials accused of organizing passport distribution and indoctrination programs in occupied areas. Kyiv Post had previously reported on Yunarmiya , a youth paramilitary that indoctrinates teens from occupied Ukraine via military camps. London also targeted dozens of individuals linked to the Social Design Agency and ANO Dialog, organizations accused of conducting Kremlin-backed disinformation and political interference campaigns, including efforts to influence Armenia’s domestic politics. Other Topics of Interest North Korea Made Billions Arming Russia for the Ukraine War, Report Says South Korean estimates suggest North Korea earned between $7 billion and $13.8 billion by supplying Russia with artillery shells, rocket systems, KN-23 ballistic missiles and military personnel. Analysts say the growing partnership with Moscow is boosting Pyongyang’s economy while expanding its military and technological capabilities. “Today’s sanctions are a strong step in exposing and disrupting the depths Russia is willing to go,” UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was quoted as saying. The EU said Russia has forcibly deported or transferred nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to the European Council, the measures target camps, naval schools and military-patriotic clubs accused of exposing Ukrainian minors to ideological indoctrination, military training and programs designed to erase Ukrainian identity. Those sanctioned face EU asset freezes and travel bans. On April 11, Ukrainian authorities charged three people over the deportation of 35 children from the occupied Donetsk region to Russia, in a case Kyiv says amounts to a war crime. According to investigators, the children, aged four to six, were taken from a state-run orphanage in Donetsk in February 2022, just days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion. They were transported to Russia’s Rostov region and later placed in local institutions. Ukrainian authorities have opened thousands of cases related to the deportation of children since the start of the invasion, calling the issue one of the war’s gravest humanitarian consequences. Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children is the basis for the arrest warrant for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). At the same time, EU officials are preparing a broader new sanctions package expected later this summer, according to Politico . The proposed measures could target Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport oil, along with banks, military-industrial companies and firms accused of selling stolen Ukrainian grain. EU officials told Politico that Brussels sees a new opportunity to increase pressure on Moscow following Hungary’s recent political shift and amid growing concerns over Russia’s weakening economy. “There is new momentum for sanctions,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. While countries such as Sweden have intensified action against shadow fleet tankers in European waters – boarding and at times seizing vessels – the UK has faced criticism for limited enforcement despite formal pledges. As of April, London had not seized any shadow fleet ships, reportedly due to interdepartmental disputes over costs , according to The Times. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.