Instilling loyalty from an early age has become part of Russia’s policy in the occupied territories of Ukraine. Since September, propaganda lessons for preschoolers have been held there, with a large portion of the curriculum devoted to military symbols and the cult of victory. At the same time, thousands of Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken to Russia and Belarus and placed in “re-education” camps. It is precisely this system—from kindergarten lessons to deportations—that Britain targeted with new sanctions, accusing Moscow of seeking to erase Ukrainian identity.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on Russians and organizations involved in the abduction and ideological indoctrination of Ukrainian children.
According to the British Foreign Office, the measures affected 11 individuals and entities after intelligence confirmed that Moscow is attempting to eradicate Ukrainian culture through a network of “re-education” camps. Foreign Secretary David Lammy called this Kremlin policy “repulsive” and stressed that it shows “the depth of depravity” Vladimir Putin is willing to pursue in his war against Ukraine.
According to London, more than 19 500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken to Russia or to occupied Ukrainian territories. Other estimates put the figure as high as 35,000. Only 1 592 children have been returned, Kyiv says. Ukrainian intelligence has identified more than 150 sites where children are being held—from occupied Ukrainian regions to Belarus and locations inside Russia.
Last month it emerged that Russian authorities in Luhansk region created an online catalogue of Ukrainian children for “adoption”, listing them by age, eye and hair color, and describing them with labels such as “obedient” or “non-confrontational.”
The U.S. State Department has stopped supporting the investigation into the abduction of Ukrainian children
This decision will significantly complicate efforts to prosecute Russia for war crimes
Propaganda Lessons for Preschoolers Promoting Loyalty to the Authorities Have Begun in Occupied Ukrainian Territories
Much of the Program Focuses on War Themes and Military Symbols
The new British sanctions package targeted, among others, the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, which organizes “re-education” programs, as well as Valery Mayorov, head of the state Center for Youth Programs. Russian ministers responsible for implementing the policy of forced deportation were also sanctioned.
“Tearing a child away from their family and trying to erase their heritage and upbringing through lies and disinformation is unacceptable. Children must not be turned into pawns in war, and that is why we are holding accountable those responsible,” Lammy said.