Russia Declared a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” by the European Parliament

Iesha November 23, 2022 News Leave a comment

As a result of Moscow’s “deliberate actions and crimes” in Ukraine, the European Parliament has designated Russia as a “state sponsor of terrorism.”

On Wednesday, the motion was approved by European legislators with 494 in favor, 58 against, and 44 abstentions.

The resolution said, “The deliberate attacks and atrocities carried out by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and other serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law amount to acts of terror.”

However, according to reports, the European Union lacks a legal foundation to support the measure, essentially making the action symbolic.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, president of Ukraine, praised the decision and emphasized that “Russia must be isolated at all levels and held accountable.”

While accusing Moscow of targeting civilians, Zelenskyy urged other countries, like the U.S., to follow suit.

The E.U., U.S., and U.K have already imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the Ukrainian war.

Despite calls from both chambers of Congress, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has refrained from adding Russia to a list of countries supporting terrorism.

The U.S. State Department currently views Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria as “state sponsors of terrorism,” which subject them to fines and a ban on defense exports.

According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, four E.U. nations have labeled Russia as a “state sponsor of terrorism”: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland.