UK sanctions target Russia over deportation of Ukrainian children
On the 1,000th day of Russia's war against Ukraine, the United Kingdom announced sanctions against ten representatives of the Russian authorities and state-affiliated youth organisations involved in the forced deportations and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
The war in Ukraine has persisted for 1,000 days. During this period, one of the most significant developments was the forced deportations and indoctrination of Ukrainian children right after the conflict began. This has been a key factor in the International Court of Justice in The Hague deciding to issue a warrant for Vladimir Putin's arrest.
The President of Russia was consequently deemed a war criminal. After a thousand days of conflict, in connection with these crimes, the United Kingdom announced sanctions against another ten representatives of the Russian authorities and state-affiliated youth organisations.
As stated on the UK government's website, the sanctions targeted entities seeking to erase Ukrainian cultural and national identity. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, over 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The United Kingdom supports Ukrainians
Since the onset of the conflict, approximately 6,000 children have been placed in so-called "re-education camps" in Russia and occupied territories, where they are subjected to intense indoctrination. The aim, as noted by the UK government, is to eradicate Ukrainian identity and instil pro-Russian views.
Among those sanctioned is the Russian paramilitary organisation for children and youth, Yunarmia. The UK's actions are a response to Russia's attempts to obliterate Ukrainian culture and nationhood. Recently, the UK government also authorised the use of weapons supplied by the British against targets within Russian territory.
