US Takes Firm Stand Against Russia: Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Involved in Deportation of Ukrainian Children
US Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Involved in Deportation of Ukrainian Children by Russia, Including Government-owned Camp Artek in Crimea
The United States is taking further action against Russia in response to the forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children. The US State Department has imposed sanctions on 13 individuals and entities reportedly connected to these human rights abuses. The sanctions include visa restrictions on three Russia-installed officials involved in these atrocities. Among those targeted by the sanctions are Artek, a Russian government-owned "summer camp" located in Russia-occupied Crimea.
US President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia on Ukraine's Independence Day.
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) August 24, 2023
"Today, we are announcing new sanctions to bring those responsible for forced displacements and deportations to justice and demand the return of Ukrainian children to their families,"…
Artek has been accused of receiving Ukrainian children and subjecting them to "patriotic re-education programs" while preventing them from returning to their families. The director of Artek is also included in the list of sanctioned individuals. Other individuals targeted include advisors and commissioners for children's rights in various regions, as well as the chairman of the government of the Chechen Republic. These individuals have been involved in facilitating the deportation of Ukrainian children and their adoption by Russian families.
The sanctions come as Ukraine estimates that over 19,500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced from their homes since Russia's invasion in 2022. The United States, along with its European partners, is committed to supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and holding Russia accountable for its actions. This latest round of sanctions is part of ongoing efforts by the US to address the human rights abuses committed by Russia in Ukraine.
It is a clear message that the US will not tolerate these war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Russian President Putin and his children's commissioner, accusing them of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. The US State Department has vowed to continue identifying individuals and institutions involved in these atrocities and draw attention to their actions. The ultimate goal is to ensure the reunification of these children with their families or placement in a community that reflects their proper upbringing. The Department is committed to keeping the issue in the spotlight until justice is served.
