The European Council has announced new sanctions targeting 16 Russian individuals and seven entities allegedly responsible for the systematic unlawful deportation, forced transfer, and assimilation of Ukrainian minors. According to the Council, Russia is estimated to have deported nearly 20,500 Ukrainian children, calling these actions "grave breaches of international law."

The UK government also unveiled sanctions against 85 Russian individuals and institutions, linking them to "information warfare campaigns" and the forced deportation of children. Two-thirds of the sanctions target employees of the state-funded Social Design Agency, which the UK Foreign Office accused of "deceptive Kremlin propaganda" and interference operations.

Sweden's security service SAPO detained two individuals suspected of helping Russia procure advanced engineering products that could be used in the war against Ukraine. The suspects allegedly violated EU sanctions by supplying equipment to Russia, with SAPO's deputy head stating that "the Russian war industry depends on technology, including from Sweden."

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv, meeting his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov. They signed a declaration of intent for the "Brave One" platform, aimed at supporting developers of defense innovations. Pistorius expressed skepticism about Putin's weekend comments that the war was nearing its end, saying "if he sees the end of this war approaching, he could simply end this war."

European leaders rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could represent them in potential talks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the idea unwise, saying "if we give the right to Russia to appoint a negotiator on our behalf... that would not be very wise."

A tense ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump on May 9 was set to run for three days. Putin's speech over the weekend suggested the war could be "coming to an end," but his comments were met with skepticism, particularly his proposal involving Schröder.

Source: www.dw.com