EU Expands Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine Children and Political Repression
On Sept. 28, the EU imposed fresh sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, citing alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children and suppression of political opposition.
EUROPEAN UNION,POLITICS
Global N Press
9/28/20261 min read
BRUSSELS, September 28, 2026 — The European Union imposed new sanctions on Russian individuals and entities on September 28, targeting the alleged unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children and repression of political opposition in Russia. The EU Council sanctioned 10 individuals and 17 entities over what it described as the systematic transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, as well as programs involving forced assimilation, ideological education and military-patriotic activities. Those targeted include Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov and officials linked to education, sports and children's camps.
The EU also imposed restrictive measures on 10 Russian individuals over their alleged role in preventing the Yabloko opposition party from participating in Russia's September 2026 State Duma election and in legal proceedings against its politicians. The sanctions include asset freezes, while individuals are also subject to travel bans in the EU. The measures came as the bloc continued to maintain pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and broader concerns about democratic freedoms and human rights. At a meeting in Brussels the same day, EU defence ministers also discussed military assistance for Ukraine, including air defence, measures against Russia's “shadow fleet” and responses to what EU officials described as Russia's continuing hybrid activities against European countries.
