European Parliament classifies Russia as ‘terrorist state’

This Wednesday (23) the European Parliament passed a resolution recognizing Russia as “a State sponsoring terrorism” and “using the instruments of terrorism” with 494 votes to, 58 against and 44 abstentions.

The text underlines that attacks and “deliberate atrocities” by Russian forces in Ukraine, as well as “destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of international and humanitarian law”, are acts of terrorism and war crimes.

The European Parliament reports that because it cannot “officially designate” countries as sponsors of terrorism, bloc member states must propose legislative measures and add Russia to their national lists.

“This will trigger a significant number of restrictive measures against Moscow and have profoundly restrictive consequences on relations between the EU and Russia. At the same time, Parliament asks the Council to: [Europeu] The paramilitary organization ‘Wagner Group’, also known as ‘Kadirovites’ 141st.

The document calls for further action to “isolate Russia internationally”, including changes in the United Nations Security Council and a further reduction of diplomatic relations between Brussels and Moscow.

Members of the European Parliament still urge countries to work as soon as possible to complete the ninth package of political and economic sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s government.

“Parliament also asks EU countries to actively prevent, investigate and prosecute any evasion of existing sanctions and, together with the European Commission, to consider possible measures against countries trying to help Russia avoid ongoing measures.”

Following the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the decision through social networks.

“I welcome the decision of the European Parliament to recognize Russia as a state that supports terrorism and a state that uses the means of terrorism. Russia should be isolated and held accountable at all levels to put an end to the long-standing policy of terrorism in Ukraine and around the world.” .