The US State Department has introduced visa restrictions on five Russian officials involved in forced deportation and imprisonment of Ukrainian children. In Washington, such actions of the Kremlin were called "systematic" and "intentional".
Since the beginning of a full -scale invasion, Russia has illegally exported thousands of Ukrainian children from the occupied territories. Many of them have changed identity, hidden their origin, and subjected to pro -Russian ideologization, militarization, or for adoption by Russian families.
The US State Department stressed that the Russian authorities have created numerous obstacles to the return of children to Ukraine. The Kremlin's refusal to fulfill its international legal obligations and to report the location of deported children complicates their safe return.
"The United States strongly condemn these crimes and continue to work to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable. We support Ukraine in its efforts to return the stolen children home," the State Department said.
The sanctions imposed against Russian officials are the next US step in support of Ukraine and condemning violations of international law. Visa restrictions have become part of the wider efforts of Washington to hold the persons involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children.
