UK Imposes Sanctions on 11 Russian Figures Over Ukrainian Child Deportations

The UK government has imposed new sanctions on 11 Russian individuals and entities involved in the forced deportation, indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children. These sanctions target key figures and organizations, including the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation and its president Aymani Kadyrova, as well as youth organizations like the Movement of the First and Volunteers of Victory. UK intelligence and UN reports indicate that Russia is enforcing a Russification policy in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories by imposing a Russian curriculum and preparing children for military service. More than 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred, with approximately 6,000 subjected to re-education programs aimed at eroding their Ukrainian identity and instilling pro-Russian sentiments. The UK government condemned these actions as attempts to erase Ukrainian culture, identity, and statehood, reinforcing its commitment to holding Russia accountable for these violations. Russian authorities have yet to respond officially to the new sanctions.