EU sanctions Russian-linked officials, institutions Over deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children

The European Union has imposed restrictive measures on Russian-linked individuals and entities over allegations of the systematic deportation, forced transfer and ideological re-education of Ukrainian minors.

Announced during a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the decision targets 16 individuals and seven entities the EU says are responsible for undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty through the unlawful removal of children to Russia and Russian-occupied territories.

The Council said the measures address practices including forced assimilation, indoctrination, militarised education and unlawful adoption, which it argues are intended to erode Ukrainian identity and disrupt the country’s future generations.

The EU estimates that nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children have been deported or forcibly transferred since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia has previously rejected similar allegations, stating that children were relocated for safety reasons.

The sanctions list includes institutions linked to Russia’s education system, such as the All-Russian Children’s Centres Orlyonok, Scarlet Sails and Smena. The EU said these organisations coordinate with occupation authorities to run programmes for Ukrainian children involving ideological education, patriotic events and military-oriented training.

Other designated entities include the DOSAAF Centre in Sevastopol, the Nakhimov Naval School and the Military-Patriotic Club “Patriot” in Crimea, which the EU says are involved in the ideological re-education and militarisation of minors under programmes aligned with Russian state policy.

Individuals targeted include officials and youth organisation leaders operating in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, accused by the EU of overseeing indoctrination programmes and promoting military-style training for children.

Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with funds or economic resources. The individuals are also subject to travel bans across EU territory.

The measures come amid continued European efforts to increase pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. The European Council has previously condemned Russia’s invasion as a violation of the UN Charter and reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

EU leaders have also repeatedly called for the “safe and unconditional return” of deported Ukrainian children and civilians, and signalled readiness to expand sanctions if necessary.