EU Targets 27 Individuals and Entities Over Forced Transfer of Ukrainian Children

The European Union has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and 17 entities over their alleged involvement in the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and areas of Ukraine under Russian occupation.

The latest measures target individuals and organisations that the EU says have contributed to the forced assimilation of Ukrainian children through indoctrination, militarised education and activities promoting Russian identity.

Among the entities added to the sanctions list are the Moscow City Tourism Committee and two Russian companies involved in children's recreation, tourism and entertainment. The EU said the organisations have been involved in activities centred on Russian history, war commemorations and military-patriotic education.

The sanctions also cover children's camps and sports centres in Russia and temporarily occupied parts of Ukraine. According to the EU, the facilities have played a role in cultural reorientation and propaganda-based and military-patriotic activities involving Ukrainian children.

Songdowon International Children's Camp, a state-run institution in North Korea, has also been sanctioned. The EU said the camp participated in programmes involving Ukrainian children transferred from Russian-occupied areas in coordination with Russia and promoted pro-Russian narratives.

The individuals targeted include Rustam Minnikhanov, president of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan. The EU accused him of facilitating the transfer of Ukrainian children to camps in the region.

Education officials from occupied Ukrainian territories, the sports and tourism minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic, and heads of children's camps and schools have also been included in the sanctions package.

Those listed face an asset freeze, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with funds or economic resources. The sanctioned individuals are also subject to a travel ban preventing entry into or transit through EU territory.

The measures were published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

The EU estimates that more than 20,500 Ukrainian children have been deported or forcibly transferred since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The bloc says the transfers violate international law and children's fundamental rights and are aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.

The sanctions come as the EU continues to maintain pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. In June 2026, the European Council condemned Russia's military campaign and reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The European Council also said the EU should continue efforts to restrict Russia's ability to wage war and remain prepared to impose further sanctions.

Source: FSX Business News