US 'considering' to declare Russia state sponsor of terrorism amid war in Ukraine

As Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate despite both sides inking a deal on grain exports, United States is seriously “considering” issue of declaring Moscow a "state sponsor of terrorism". In an interview with Rio Free Europe/Rio Liberty, US Ambassor to Ukraine Bridget Brink said that matter of declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism amid war in Ukraine “requires careful analysis” in relation to American laws. She said that US h alrey imposed a range of measures against Moscow toger with Washington’s allies and partners. 

“As for declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism, we are considering this issue, it requires careful analysis in accordance with American laws. In meantime, we hold Russia to account for its actions and we continue to do so,” Brink told media outlet. 

Furr, US Ambassor to Ukraine also stressed that Russia has been removed from financing by international financial institutions and prevented Moscow from using any funds of central bank to repay its debt. Brink underscored, “We use all available means that would be used for a country that is such a sponsor. However, we also consider a declaration seriously. And we will continue to hold Russia to account in accordance with our legislation." 

Brink’s remarks came as US delegation visited Kyiv and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pledging Washington’s continued support against war. American delegation including Representative am Smith, chair of House Armed Services Committee, was also latest set of high-profile Americans to visit war-torn Ukraine. 

Apart from US envoy to Ukraine saying that Washington was considering declaring Russia a “state sponsor of terrorism”, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has alrey backed Kyiv’s appeal to recognise same status for Moscow. She even called Russian President Vlimir Putin a ‘coward’. 

US diplomats criticised attack on Ukraine’s Odesa port

Ever since Putin announced “special” military operation in Ukraine, US has emerged as one of staunch supporters of Kyiv From delivering weapons to allocating funds for war-torn country, Washington has attempted to assist Ukraine alongside or allies in West such as UK. However, as Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, most recently, several senior US diplomats voiced ir criticism of attack on Ukraine's Odesa port just a day after Moscow and Kyiv signed an agreement for grain exports brokered by Turkey and United Nations (UN). 

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price joined US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in condemning “Russia’s military attack” against city of Odessa. However, it is to note that following attack, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said that Russians told him y have “nothing to do” with attack on Ukrainian port city. Even Zelenksyy said that latest attack on Sunday “destroyed very possibility” of dialogue with Russia.

Image: AP