US State Dept. "Considering Designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 27th (local time) that the U.S. Biden administration is considering designating Russia, which invaded Ukraine, as a state sponsor of terrorism.

According to the report, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared at a Senate hearing on the State Department budget that day and stated, "We are reviewing the designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism."

In response to related questions, Secretary Blinken said, "There is no doubt that Russia is committing acts of terrorism against the people of Ukraine," adding, "The issue is that we must ensure we meet the legal requirements necessary for the designation, which is something lawyers need to review."

He explained that it has not yet been decided whether the Kremlin's actions meet the legal criteria for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. According to the State Department, to designate a country as a state sponsor of terrorism, the Secretary of State must confirm that the government of that country has "repeatedly supported international terrorist acts."

If designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, regulations such as bans on defense exports and restrictions on foreign aid can be imposed on the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly urged the U.S. to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Currently, four countries are designated as state sponsors of terrorism: North Korea, Cuba, Iran, and Syria.

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