On Monday, the European Union imposed sanctions on 16 officials accused of facilitating the abduction of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children, many of whom are forced to change their identities or face adoption. The sanctions also extend to seven centers suspected of indoctrinating these children for military service. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in early 2022, approximately 20,500 children have been unlawfully deported to Russia or Russian-controlled areas. EU officials emphasized that these actions constitute systematic unlawful deportation and forced assimilation, with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže highlighting the potential implications under the Genocide Convention. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities are investigating former chief of staff Andriy Yermak for corruption, following his resignation amid scandal. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas noted that the dynamics of the war are shifting in Ukraine's favor, despite ongoing fighting and accusations of ceasefire violations from both sides. European governments have also dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of involving former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in future negotiations.