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The EU’s latest Russia sanctions list contains a babushka.
Aimani Kadyrova, the 70-year-old mother of Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov, was among more than 60 individuals and 47 companies aiding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine whom the Сouncil of the European Union included on its individual sanctions list Monday.
All face asset freezes and a travel and transit ban through the EU as well as a ban on legally doing business in the bloc.
Kadyrova is the president of the Kadyrov Foundation, which runs re-education programs for Ukrainian children and teenagers abducted by Russian forces from occupied Ukraine.
According to the EU listing, the foundation forces Ukrainian children to undergo military training in an attempt to alienate them from their home country and relatives.
“Furthermore, the Kadyrov Foundation provides financial incentives to the families of the Chechen fighters involved in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to attract new volunteers and keep those already fighting motivated,” the EU Council decision reads.
Kadyrov — a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin — has previously reacted emotionally when his mother has been sanctioned. Last year, after the U.S. slapped financial sanctions and a travel ban on Kadyrova, the Chechen leader filmed a video in which he ranted against the measures and demanded they be lifted.
“You lift your sanctions and do it fast! Or else … I will not forgive you for sanctions against my mother,” Kadyrov said at the time.
Besides Kadyrova and dozens of Russian businessmen and officials, the new EU sanctions list includes Russian propagandists, actors and even singer-songwriter Shaman.
Shaman’s hit song, “I am Russian,” has become the unofficial anthem of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine flagged Russian propagandists as priority candidates for EU sanctions in the new package, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, adviser to the office of the Ukrainian president and coordinator of the Yermak-McFaul International Sanctions Group, told POLITICO.
“Sanctioning propagandists was a strong decision from the EU, as they contribute a lot to Russia’s war efforts.”
