The United Kingdom has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals linked to the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia. This latest round of restrictive measures marks a significant policy move by the British government, coinciding with the 1,000th day since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions list includes ten individuals and entities identified as key facilitators of Russia’s policy to forcibly remove and indoctrinate Ukrainian children. According to a statement from the British government, these individuals have allegedly played pivotal roles in operations that forcibly transported minors from Ukraine’s occupied regions to Russia, where they were placed in re-education facilities aimed at fostering allegiance to Russia.
Scale of the Deportations
British officials have highlighted that over 19,500 Ukrainian minors have reportedly been forcibly relocated to either Russia or further into Russian-occupied territories. Among these, approximately 6,000 are said to have been subjected to programmes in so-called “re-education” facilities, where they have been indoctrinated with revised historical narratives and military-oriented training.
The British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, denounced these actions, stating, “No child should ever be used as a pawn in warfare. President Putin’s targeting of Ukrainian children reveals the lengths he is willing to go to in his campaign to erase Ukraine and its people from existence.”
Targets of the New Sanctions
The sanctions package names several individuals and organisations identified by the UK government as collaborators in Russia’s efforts to remove and indoctrinate Ukrainian children. Among those sanctioned are the youth organisation Yunarmiya, noted for its involvement in militaristic training for children; Nikita Nagorny; Igor Kazarev; Andrei Sabinov; and Serafim Ivanov.
Other entities include Avangard, an organisation that has played a role in the programme, and specific figures within Russian-controlled territories such as Valentina Lavrik, head of an orphanage in Kherson where 46 children were allegedly removed and sent to Russia for adoption. Also sanctioned is Vitaliy Suk, who reportedly managed a facility for disabled children in Oleshky under occupation authorities’ directive.
Indoctrination and Militarisation Efforts
The British government’s statement further emphasised the extent of Russia’s ideological reconditioning of Ukrainian minors. In these re-education centres, children are reportedly subjected to a curriculum where Russian historical narratives are rewritten, combat activities are valorised, and elements of military training are introduced. This systematic programme seeks to instill pro-Russian sentiment and loyalty, aiming to reshape these children’s identities in alignment with Russian ideological objectives.
International Legal Implications
The UK’s actions align with broader international efforts to hold Russian officials accountable. The International Criminal Court (ICC) previously issued warrants related to Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian minors, naming Russian President Vladimir Putin and the country’s Children’s Rights Commissioner as responsible figures. The ICC’s focus on this issue highlights the gravity of the situation, with implications that could extend to other leaders, including the self-declared President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, should evidence emerge of complicity in similar activities.
Canada’s Role and International Solidarity
The UK’s announcement follows a recent conference in Canada addressing a key provision of Ukraine’s proposed “peace formula.” The conference explored potential pathways for the release of prisoners and the safe return of forcibly deported Ukrainian citizens, including children. The discussions highlighted the need for continued international cooperation and highlighted shared global concerns about Russia’s treatment of detained Ukrainian citizens.
The sanctions imposed by the UK signify a collective determination to respond to Russia’s actions in Ukraine with both political and legal pressure. By focusing on individuals linked to the deportation and indoctrination of children, the UK aims to hold those responsible to account while emphasising its commitment to upholding human rights and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
