The EU has imposed sanctions on 23 Russian institutions and officials accused of involvement in the unlawful deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine estimates that around 20,000 children have been forcibly transferred from occupied territories, where many have reportedly faced pro-Russian ideological training, military-style activities, and pressure to abandon their Ukrainian identity. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the policy as a deliberate attack on Ukraine’s future. The sanctions, coordinated with Canada and the UK, include travel bans and asset freezes. Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the action. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin over allegations connected to the removal of Ukrainian children.