US lawmakers introduce bill to designate Russia state sponsor of terrorism over Ukraine
- The move was proposed by Democratic and Republican senators, who say it would signal strong support for Kyiv and impose stiff penalties on Moscow
- Biden has said he does not plan to add Russia to the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, which includes Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Syria
Democratic and Republican US senators introduced legislation on Wednesday that would designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, a label pushed for by Ukraine but opposed by President Joe Biden’s administration.
“The need for this measure is more pressing now than ever before,” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the bill’s sponsors, told a news conference, citing the killings of civilians and other “brutal, cruel oppression” in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, another bill sponsor, said the designation would send a strong signal of support for Ukraine to Kyiv but also to US allies, while imposing stiff penalties on Russia like allowing it to be sued in US courts for its actions in Ukraine and tightening sanctions.
It was not immediately clear when or whether the measure might come up for a vote. But the two senators have been advocating for the designation for months, visiting Kyiv in July to promote it.
They have been joined by other lawmakers in voicing support for the idea. Democratic House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in July the designation was “long overdue”.