EU Prepares Largest-Ever Sanctions Package Targeting Tatarstan Head and Officials Over Forced Transfer of Ukrainian Children

The EU's diplomatic service on Wednesday presented ambassadors additional sanctions listings targeting 27 Russian individuals and entities over the deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children, with adoption expected by month's end 1. The Insider reported that several EU member states have proposed adding Tatarstan head Rustam Minnikhanov to the list over his alleged role in transfers to the Miras children's camp in Zelenodolsk District, part of a broader package of roughly 10 individuals and more than 15 organizations tied to child transfers 2. A draft decision reviewed by RFE/RL also names North Korea's Songdowon international camp in Wonsan, which reportedly receives Ukrainian children from occupied territories under "cultural exchange" programs coordinated with Russian structures 3. The EU's Foreign Affairs High Representative Kaja Kallas has forwarded the proposal to the Council for approval, and the listings are part of a wider sanctions push expected to add more than 1,600 entries in October 23. Ukraine has verified over 20,500 child deportations, while Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab estimates the true figure closer to 35,000 1.