US 'looking' at designating Russia 'state sponsor of terrorism' amid Moscow-Kyiv war

As Russia Ukraine war continues to escalate in seventh week, United States is “taking a close look at” designating Russia as a “state sponsor of terrorism”. In an interview with CNN, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that Biden ministration officials are looking at each available tool to hold Russia accountable for war in Ukraine. Russia h launched so-called ‘special’ military operation in Ukraine on February 24 and what followed was widespre destruction of Ukrainian cities along with dozens of thousands of casualties on both sides. 

When asked about possibility of designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, Price told media outlet, “We're taking a close look at facts. We're taking a close look at law” while ding “Wher it is this authority, wher it's any or authority available to us under law, we will apply it if it's effective and appropriate.” 

According to State Department, definition of a state sponsor of terrorism is a country that has “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.” Russia would be fifth nation to join list as rth Korea, Iran, Cuba and Syria are alrey labelled as state sponsors of terrorism by US. 

media outlet h reported last week that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy h asked his US counterpart Joe Biden to designate Russia a state sponsor of terrorism. Zelenskyy reportedly me request in one of recent telephone calls as both leers have been in constant touch since Russia-Ukraine war started. 

United States, which has emerged as one of frontline nations in support of Ukraine, has alrey imposed a flurry of sanctions against Russia. However, ding Russia to list would be a symbolic move that would also inflict an even greater cost on Russia’s ecomy, stated CNN. tably, move would furr le to actions such as restricting Russia from buying certain items which can be used commercially or militarily.

Biden has ' plans' to visit Kyiv

Meanwhile, White House on Monday reiterated that US President Joe Biden is t planning to visit Kyiv even though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging his American counterpart to support war-torn nation in fight against Russia by travelling to embattled capital. During a daily press briefing on Monday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki averred, “re’s plans for President to go”. 

Im: AP