EU plans sanctions on Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov and nine others over forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia

The European Union is set to impose its most extensive sanctions against Russia, with over 1,600 new entries expected on October 1, 2023. Several EU nations advocate for adding Rustam Minnikhanov, Tatarstan’s head, to the sanctions list due to his alleged involvement in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russian camps.

While prominent figures in Russia's military-industrial sector dominate the proposed list, around 10 individuals and more than 15 organizations could face sanctions for their roles in the forced transfer of Ukrainian children. Notable targets include Russian officials operating in occupied Ukrainian regions, such as school directors, education ministers, and members of the Kremlin-backed youth organization, Dvizhenie Pervykh.

Furthermore, EU officials are considering sanctions against the Moscow City Tourism Committee (Mosturizm) for allegedly aiding in the forced assimilation and indoctrination of Ukrainian minors. This proposed action comes in response to Canada's recent sanctions on eight Russian officials for their role in the deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children.

The International Criminal Court had already issued arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of war crimes for the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.