EU, UK sanction Russians over deportations of Ukrainian children

The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Russian institutions and officials for their alleged systematic deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children. The EU announced measures against 23 entities and individuals, while the UK targeted 85 people and organizations. These actions, coordinated with Canada, aim to address what is described as a deliberate Russian policy involving grave breaches of international law. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting those involved in programs that subject children to pro-Russian indoctrination and military-oriented activities. Russia has reportedly deported nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children since February 2022.

The UK has imposed sanctions on nine individuals and three entities linked to an Iranian-backed network accused of plotting attacks and financing destabilization efforts against Britain and its allies. The sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, target alleged members and associates of the Zindashti criminal network, previously described by authorities as an international drug and trafficking cartel directed by Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security. The sanctioned individuals and entities are accused of threatening, planning, or conducting attacks, as well as assassination and kidnapping operations against critics of the Iranian government. Notably, five members of the Zarringhalam family were also sanctioned for allegedly helping to finance these efforts, with some previously designated by the US for their role in laundering billions of dollars through front companies.

The UK has sanctioned 85 individuals and entities for spreading "pro-Kremlin narratives abroad." Announced on Monday, the sanctions target 29 people and organizations accused of facilitating the forced deportation and militarization of Ukrainian children by Russia. The UK Foreign Office states over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russian-controlled territories. An additional 56 individuals and organizations were sanctioned to counter Moscow's narrative production. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated these measures aim to expose and disrupt Russia's interference in democracy and its actions against Ukraine's future.