UK Sanctions Russians Over Forced Deportation, Militarization of 19,500 Ukrainian Children

British intelligence and government sources report that Russia has forcibly abducted over 19,500 Ukrainian children, with some estimates suggesting up to 35,000 may have been deported to Russia and occupied territories like Crimea. These children are reportedly placed in re-education camps designed to erase their Ukrainian cultural identity and indoctrinate them, with about 6,000 sent to military training centers to prepare for conscription into the Russian army once they turn 18. UK officials view this as part of a broader Russification policy aimed at eradicating Ukrainian culture and identity, with little public objection within Russia. In response, the UK has imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in these actions, including the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, which runs re-education programs, and several high-profile Russian officials and regional leaders. The UK Foreign Secretary condemned the forcible erasure of Ukrainian heritage and emphasized that no child should be used as a pawn of war. These developments follow international concern, including an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin related to the abduction of Ukrainian children.