The European Union imposed sanctions on 16 Russian officials accused of facilitating the forced deportation and indoctrination of thousands of Ukrainian children.
EU foreign ministers endorsed the measures in Brussels. The bloc's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the abductions "one of the worst crimes" of Russia's war.
The sanctions target individuals accused of systematic deportation, forced assimilation, and unlawful adoption. An EU council statement says these actions violate international law and aim to "erase Ukrainian identity."
The penalties include asset freezes and travel bans. Over 130 people and entities are now sanctioned over the abductions.
Ukraine has verified the deportation of more than 20,500 children. Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab estimates the number may be closer to 35,000. Moscow has suggested it could be as high as 700,000.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a "deliberate Russian policy aimed at destroying Ukrainian identity."
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin for war crimes related to the abductions.
The EU on Monday hosted the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children alongside Canada. Officials said most deported minors have had their identities changed within the Russian system, making identification almost impossible.
Sybiha said more than 2,000 children have been returned, but thousands more remain missing. "Ukrainian children are not a matter for negotiations or compromise. Their return is unconditional."