On Monday, May 11th, the European Union imposed sanctions on 16 officials accused of aiding in Russia’s abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. Many of these children were forced to change their identities or were put up for adoption. Seven centers involved in the indoctrination and training of these children to serve in Russia’s armed forces or allied groups were also sanctioned. 

The E.U. enacted these sanctions because of violations of international law and human and child rights. The European Council estimated that Russia has deported or forcibly transferred over 20,050 Ukrainian children since the start of the war (Reuters). Many of those forced into identity changes now hold Russian passports and are enrolled in Russian schools. P.B.S. spoke to Baiba Braže, the Latvian Prime Minister, at an E.U. meeting in Brussels. He stated, “Russia is trying to erase their identity. When you look at the Genocide Convention, it’s one of the features of the genocide crime. So, it’s very serious.” 

Imposing these sanctions will help cement Europe–and maybe even the globe–as a strong defensive force in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The abductions prove to the E.U. that, at least for Russia, the war is far from over. Much more action against Russia must be taken in order to halt what is, according to the E.U., already a genocide. 

These abductions are part of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine that began in February of 2022. Many of the sanctions placed were on the leaders of Russian schools and camps that enrolled Ukrainian children under false Russian identities. 

Numerous global organizations have already taken action against Russia and its leader, President Vladimir Putin. The International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest, claiming he was “personally responsible” for the abductions. It is clear that the European Union is not treading lightly when it comes to this grueling war, though their next step is still to be determined.