Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred to Russia: EU sanctions 16 individuals and seven entities
On the day of the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Council has decided to adopt restrictive measures against further 16 individuals and seven entities responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
The decision targets those responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation, forced transfer, forced assimilation, including indoctrination and militarised education, of Ukrainian minors, as well as their unlawful adoption and removal to the Russian Federation and within temporarily occupied territories.
Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia is estimated to have deported and forcibly transferred nearly 20 500 Ukrainian children. These actions constitute grave breaches of international law and a violation of the fundamental rights of the child and aim to erase Ukrainian identity and undermine the preservation of its future generations.
The entities listed today include federal state institutions linked to the Russian Ministry of Education such as the All-Russian Children's Centres Orlyonok, Scarlet Sails, and Smena. They organise -in coordination with occupation authorities- programmes for Ukrainian children in which they are subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination, including through patriotic events, ideological education, and military-oriented activities. Other listed entities host Ukrainian minors transferred from occupied territories of Ukraine and expose them to programmes aligned with Russian state policies, including political indoctrination and activities consistent with education frameworks designed for basic military training. The DOSAAF Centre in Sevastopol, the Nakhimov Naval School and the Military-Patriotic Club “Patriot” in Crimea run the re-education, ideological indoctrination, and militarisation of minors, fostering loyalty to Russia and undermining Ukrainian national identity.
Today’s listings also include officials and politicians from territories illegally occupied by Russia, as well as various heads of youth camps and military-patriotic clubs and organisations. They are all responsible for promoting patriotic and military education among young people through ideological indoctrination, exposure to Russian military culture, paramilitary training, and participation in events glorifying Russia’s war of aggression.
Those listed today are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories.
Background
In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The European Council stated that efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue. It also expressed the EU’s readiness to step up pressure on Russia, including by adopting further sanctions.
As stated in the text supported by 25 heads of state or government at the European Council on 13 March 2026, the European Council reiterates its urgent call on Russia and Belarus to immediately ensure the safe and unconditional return to Ukraine of all unlawfully deported and transferred Ukrainian children and other civilians.
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