August M
Britain has widened its sanctions campaign tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine, this time naming a North Korean children’s camp accused of involvement in programs linked to deported Ukrainian minors.
The move has triggered a sharp response from Pyongyang, which rejected the allegations and accused Western governments of attempting to damage ties between North Korea and Russia, reports United24Media.
New sanctions
The British government announced fresh sanctions on May 11 against 85 Russian-linked individuals and organizations, according to official statements cited by Euronews.
London said several of those targeted were connected to the transfer, political indoctrination, and militarization of Ukrainian children taken from territories occupied by Russian forces.
Among the sanctioned entities was the Songdowon International Children’s Camp in North Korea. UK authorities said the facility was suspected of assisting efforts connected to the “forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children.”
Britain also sanctioned the Russian youth organization known as the “Warrior Center,” which officials accuse of organizing military-style training and pro-Kremlin ideological activities for Ukrainian minors.
Pyongyang reacts
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) condemned the measures, calling them “conspiratorial moves for demonizing Russia,” according to Euronews.
KCNA further described the sanctions as a “vile, unethical and politically motivated provocation aimed at tarnishing the external image” of North Korea.
The agency insisted the Songdowon camp exists to educate and develop children while promoting North Korea’s political system. State media referred to the site as a “sacred foundation for the education and development of children.”
British officials, however, argued the camp had supported policies that “undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.”
Deportation claims
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of systematically removing children from occupied regions since the start of the full-scale invasion.
According to the Bring Kids Back initiative, more than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia, while just over 2,100 have been returned.
The UK sanctions also included Yulia Velichko, identified by British authorities as the youth minister in the Russian-controlled section of the Luhansk region. Officials allege she participated in programs involving deportation efforts, political indoctrination, and the distribution of Russian passports to Ukrainian children.
Mariupol programs
Reports from occupied Mariupol have added to concerns about the militarization of children in territories under Russian control.
United24 Media previously reported that schoolchildren in the city took part in ceremonies organized alongside Russia’s National Guard and occupation authorities.
During the events, students reportedly pledged allegiance to Russia, received official identification documents, and participated in religious blessing ceremonies tied to Russian-aligned youth structures.
Sources: United24 Media, Euronews, UK Government, KCNA
