Eighty-five Russia-linked people and entities have been sanctioned as part of a UK government crackdown on “pro-Kremlin narratives abroad”.

The sanctions, imposed on Monday, were designed to target 29 individuals and organisations thought to have helped Russia forcibly deport and militarise Ukrainian children.

More than 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia and the territories which it has occupied, according to the UK Foreign Office.

A further 56 individuals and organisations have been designated in an effort to stem the production of pro-Moscow narratives.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The UK will not stand idly by as [Russian President Vladimir] Putin seeks to sow lies and pro-Kremlin narratives abroad.

“Today’s sanctions are a strong step in exposing and disrupting the depths Russia is willing to go to interfere and undermine democracy and destroy Ukraine’s future through the abhorrent deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.