Dutch children among those at EU sanctioned Russian summer camp in occupied Crimea
Several Dutch children allegedly attended a sanctioned Russian-run summer camp on the occupied Crimean peninsula this summer, according to research by AD. The camp, Artek, also allegedly hosted Russian military personnel.
Artek is considered highly significant in Russia. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, it received a 150 million-euro renovation, according to The Moscow Times. Last month, President Vladimir Putin delivered a congratulatory message marking the camp’s 100th anniversary.
Most Dutch participants reportedly have Russian heritage and attend Russian weekend schools in the Netherlands. Some have one Dutch and one Russian parent, while others have two Russian parents working long-term in sectors like shipping or entertainment. AD interviews with three parents showed varying awareness: one said the child was “on vacation with grandparents in Russia,” another was unaware of Artek’s EU-sanctioned status, and a third refused to comment.
The camp website states that tens of thousands of children attend each summer, including participants from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Artek is located on territory occupied by Russia since 2014 and has been on the EU, UK, and U.S. sanctions lists since June 2024. The camp director, Fedorenko, has been sanctioned since summer 2023.
On a recent visit, children reportedly performed near a small Dutch stand decorated with flags, balloons spelling “Holland,” and fake cheeses. The Dutch children shared the site with others dressed as Egyptians, Kenyans, and other nationalities.
However, social media footage from the camp reportedly reveals a more militarized environment. In one video, members of the 56th Guards Airborne Regiment gave a demonstration as Russian children shouted, “Dear defenders of ours, we send you greetings from Artek. Thank you for protecting our homeland. You are real heroes!”
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns: “It is prohibited to indirectly or directly provide economic resources to organizations, companies, and individuals on the sanctions list. Residents of the Netherlands must comply with all sanctions measures. If sanctions may have been violated, this can lead to a criminal investigation.” Whether parents allowing children to attend Artek could face legal consequences reportedly remains under discussion in Europe. The ministry strongly advises against travel to Crimea.
Despite these warnings, Dutch children allegedly continue to attend. Telegram and VKontakte videos this summer included five children performing in Dutch costume. A camp list revealed that nine Dutch children attended last year, five from the Rotterdam area aged 11 to 15, who presented a Dutch tulip vase to the camp museum.
The EU also states that Russian authorities allegedly bring children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Artek against their will, sometimes producing materials supporting Russian soldiers. The UK labels Artek a “program of the Russian government for the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children.”
Entry to Artek requires an invitation. Russian children apply by submitting school records; international participants typically attend through Russian organizational networks in Europe.
