EU sanctions 16 Russians over forced deportation of Ukrainian children

The EU has sanctioned 16 individuals and seven entities over the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, according to consilium.europa.eu. The measure targets those involved in what Brussels characterizes as a war crime.

Ukraine has documented tens of thousands of children allegedly moved to Russian territory since the 2022 invasion. Many were separated from families or placed in state institutions without parental consent, Ukrainian officials assert.

The sanctions freeze assets and impose travel bans. The action aligns with ongoing EU and International Criminal Court investigations into forced deportations, which violate the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.