On Thursday, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) introduced a bill aimed at designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
During a press briefing, Blumenthal unveiled a picture of Putin’s trip to North Korea – a nation that the United States has already designated as a state sponsor of terrorism – to announce the bill.
Related posts
Blumenthal expressed his strong opinion on Russia’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, stating that the picture itself speaks volumes. He firmly believes that Russia has earned this designation through their actions and behavior.
The proposed legislation, referred to as the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, aims to introduce a fresh range of sanctions against Russia while also limiting any foreign aid based in the U.S. Furthermore, the bill would provide U.S. citizens with the ability to seek legal recourse against Russia for crimes such as torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing.
On Wednesday, Kim and Putin met in North Korea to sign a mutual defense agreement. The agreement guarantees support for each other in case of war.
Graham is urging Senate leaders to take action by bringing the bill to the floor for a vote. He strongly believes that the agreement implies that Russia has the potential to provide nuclear expertise to North Korea.
Graham emphasized that if a country is already on the state sponsor of terrorism list, enhancing their nuclear capability should be considered a grave concern. He suggested that such countries should immediately be flagged for their actions.
According to the State Department, Iran, Cuba, and Syria are presently the only nations that have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
According to Graham, if the bill is passed, it would immediately shift the momentum in Ukraine and serve as a warning to countries that choose to conduct business with Russia, that they are doing so at their own risk.
For over two years, Ukraine has been engaged in war with Russia and has previously urged the United States to classify Russia as a state sponsor of terror. Such a designation would increase the already significant economic sanctions imposed by the United States and other western nations in response to Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014.
On Thursday, Blumenthal expressed his strong support for the resolution. However, he emphasized that it should not serve as a replacement for the ongoing military aid to Ukraine.
“During this crucial time for Ukraine, as it fights against a potential Russian counteroffensive and prepares for its own military actions, it is imperative that we increase our military support,” he emphasized. “Ideally, this would happen in early 2025.”
The bill’s timeline for reaching the Senate floor remains uncertain, according to the two senators. However, they expressed their willingness to push for a vote if required.
According to Blumenthal, he has had conversations with the Biden administration regarding the bill, and he has found that the White House is supportive of the objective. However, there are some differences in terms of approach.
According to Graham, Russia’s designation is both “rational” and “earned”.
He encouraged the administration to take action now, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “Now is the moment above all other moments,” he stated. He also urged the administration to designate Putin’s regime for what it truly is, in light of his recent actions.
In 2022, the European Parliament made a declaration classifying Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
