May 12, 2026
EU sanctions 16 Russian individuals and 7 entities16 Russian individuals and 7 entities over Ukrainian child deportations
On May 11, 2026, the European Union imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and seven entities in Russia for their roles in the systematic deportation and forced assimilation of Ukrainian children since Russia's invasion.
The UK separately sanctioned dozens more over child abductions and pro-Kremlin disinformation efforts. These measures underscore ongoing Western efforts to address war crimes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pressure Moscow to return the children.
- The ICC issued an arrest warrant in 2023 for Vladimir Putin over the child deportations.
- Ukraine's Kherson region saw over 400 children deported in the first months of the 2022 invasion.
- Russia claims the children were 'evacuated' for safety amid the conflict.
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Violations
Russian forces continue striking Ukrainian regions like Kherson and Mykolaiv, wounding civilians including teenagers despite a US-brokered three-day truce from May 9 to 11 that both sides confirmed.
