EU sanctions Russian officials over forced adoption of Ukrainian children

The European Union has sanctioned Russian officials over the forced relocation and adoption of Ukrainian children, the bloc said on Sunday.

According to EU statements, thousands of Ukrainian children have been stripped of their Ukrainian identity and culture, given Russian passports, and placed in adoption programs. The sanctions target officials responsible for the forced relocations.

The move marks an escalation of EU pressure on Moscow over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. International bodies, including the International Criminal Court, have previously issued arrest warrants related to child abductions.