DOT Desk: EU lawmakers look set to declare Russia a “state sponsor of terrorism” in line with pleas from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. report TBS.
“Russia is directing attacks against the civilian population and targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, medical facilities and schools,” a document prepared by the European Parliament’s research service states.
If passed as a resolution in a vote on Wednesday, the designation would be a largely symbolic condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and beyond. The US government has so far resisted the label for Russia, citing potential unintended conquences under its legal system. What does the ‘state sponsor’ designation mean?
That depends on the jurisdiction. In the United States, there is a specific legal instrument listing states that have “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.” At present, only Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria are on it.
Inclusion means restrictions on foreign aid, a ban on defense exports to such governments, controls on exports of technology with potential military use and financial constraints. Crucially, it also has implications for Russia’s sovereign immunity in US courts.
EU lawmakers set to name Russia a ‘state sponsor’ of terror
The European Parliament looks ready to designate Russia.