EU sanctions 10 individuals, 17 entities over unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia
European Union foreign ministers decided on September 28 to adopt sanctions a further 10 individuals and 17 entities responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and within temporarily occupied territories, as well as their forced assimilation, including indoctrination and militarised education, the Council of the EU said.
The entities listed on September 28 include the Moscow City Tourism Committee and two Russian companies operating in children’s recreation, tourism and entertainment services, engaged in organising activities focused on Russian history, war commemorations and military-patriotic education.
Children’s camps and sports centres in Russia and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine have also been listed for their role in cultural reorientation, propaganda-based education and military-patriotic activities aimed at integrating children into Russian identity frameworks, the statement said.
The package also includes Songdowon International Children’s Camp, a state-operated institution in the North Korea. The camp participates in organised programmes involving the transfer of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in coordination with Russia, and with the aim of promoting pro-Russian narratives.
Today’s listings also include the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, for facilitating the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to camps located in his region, the Minister and deputy Ministers of Education and Science of certain occupied territories, the Minister of Sports and Tourism of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and heads of children’s camps and schools for contributing to ideological indoctrination.
Those listed on September 28 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.
(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)
