The European Parliament declared Russia a "State sponsor of terrorism" on Wednesday. A resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority of the Strasbourg parliament denounces more than 40,000 documented war crimes allegedly committed by the Russian Army on Ukrainian soil, the massacres of civilians in places such as Irpin, Bucha or Izium in particular:
The deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by Russian forces and their proxies against civilians in Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of international and humanitarian law amount to acts of terror and constitute war crimes.
With 494 votes in favor, 58 against and 44 abstentions, MEPs "recognise Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state that 'uses means of terrorism'" and call on the member countries of the union to take steps at the national level to make the designation.
Europe calls for an embargo on imports of Russian hydrocarbons and uranium. MEPs are calling for tighter controls on imports and more restrictions against those responsible for annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions, as well as adding Russia and Belarus to the European anti-money-laundering list.
Russia must be isolated "at all levels"
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski welcomed the decision and insisted that Russia must be isolated "at all levels" on the international scene and held accountable for its "policy of terrorism."
I welcome @Europarl_EN decision to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and as a state which uses means of terrorism. Russia must be isolated at all levels and held accountable in order to end its long-standing policy of terrorism in Ukraine and across the globe.
- Вололодимир Зелеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 23, 2022
Foreign Minister Dimitro Kuleba thanked the European Parliament for the initiative that denounces "Russia's history of terror." The resolution was promoted by the right-wing groups in parliament and finally managed to count on the favorable vote of the Social Democrats, who initially objected to the language used in the measure.
Kuleba also denounced on Twitter:
Russia celebrates its recognition as terrorist state with new missile terror against Ukraine's capital, other cities. Should be clear to those who still had doubts: Russia must be recognized as terrorist state worldwide and Ukraine must get all necessary air defense systems ASAP.
- Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) November 23, 2022
