EU imposes sanctions over forced deportation of Ukrainian children

On May 11, 2026, the Council of the European Union announced sanctions against sixteen individuals and seven entities linked to the forced deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. Since the onset of the war, the EU estimates that approximately 20,500 children have been forcibly moved. The sanctioned entities include federal organizations associated with the Russian Ministry of Education, as well as officials from occupied territories, camp directors, and youth organization leaders. Measures include asset freezes, prohibitions on EU entities providing financial resources, and travel bans for the designated individuals. The Council stated these actions violate international law and fundamental children's rights, characterizing them as attempts to erode Ukrainian identity. Concurrently, the EU, Ukraine, and Canada are co-hosting a high-level meeting in Brussels to address the repatriation of these children through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.