Canada allocates CAD 40.1 mln to support Ukrainian veterans via new international fund

Canada has sanctioned eight Russian officials for their role in the deportation and forced relocation of Ukrainian children, according to a government release. The sanctioned individuals include Alexander Kurenkov, head of Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry; Grigory Gurov, leader of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs; and Artur Orlov, director of the Kremlin-backed Movement of the First youth organization.

Additional sanctions were placed on Denis Chernobai, a regional council head of Movement of the First; Vladimir Khromov, an adviser to Russia's children's rights commissioner; Elena Milskaya, chairperson of the board of trustees at the National Center for Assistance to Missing and Affected Children; Alexandra Kulgina, and Vitaly Suk.

The sanctions were issued in response to the alleged deprivation, unlawful transfer, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children to Russia. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights, for war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities claim that more than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia since the conflict began.

The Insider has documented numerous instances of abuse involving Ukrainian children in Russian camps, where they were reportedly subjected to physical violence and psychological manipulation. The International Criminal Court has also highlighted the use of state-run facilities to "re-educate" Ukrainian children in occupied territories, including training in drone assembly and military drills.