The European Union has announced its intention to introduce a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to the deportation and forced relocation of Ukrainian children. This was stated by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, upon arriving at the meeting of foreign ministers of EU countries taking place in Brussels.
This is reported by Finway
New sanctions package and coordination with partners
According to Josep Borrell, the European Union is preparing a separate sanctions package specifically dedicated to the issue of the deportation of Ukrainian children. This package will include about 20 new sanctions targeting individuals involved in the relocation and handling of deported children. The EU is coordinating its actions with partners from the G7 and expects similar steps from Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Today we expect progress on sanctions against those who assist in working with Ukrainian children deported from Ukraine,” Borrell stated, announcing a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which will take place in the afternoon in Brussels.
Borrell emphasized that the sanctions should serve as a clear signal to all those involved in the illegal relocation of children: they will bear responsibility for their actions.
Return of children and international support
EU representatives emphasize that the process of returning Ukrainian children is extremely complicated, as Russia does not agree to exchanges and conceals the whereabouts of the children. According to official data from the Ukrainian authorities, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, more than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been illegally deported or relocated to the territory of Russia or to occupied territories. Russia systematically hides the whereabouts of the children and attempts to erase their national identity.
According to the Office of the President of Ukraine, as of May 11, thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, over 2,133 Ukrainian children illegally taken by the Russian Federation have been returned.
A high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children will be held in Brussels, organized jointly by the European Union, Ukraine, and Canada. The event will involve 72 delegations, including representatives from the UN. The coalition unites 47 states and international organizations that work together on the return of Ukrainian children to their homeland and holding accountable those involved.