The European Parliament still has a clear lead over the Kremlin. Russia is also now officially classified as a state sponsor of terrorism because of Moscow’s “premeditated attacks and atrocities” against the civilian population in Ukraine. Moreover, according to the will of the EU parliament, the EU should draw up a terror list for such states in order to punish them more severely.
As justification, the MPs point to the actions of the Russian armed forces in their war of aggression against Ukraine, which are increasingly focusing on civilian targets such as energy infrastructure, hospitals and schools. This is a violation of international law.
Zelenskyj welcomes decision
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomes the decision. “Russia must be isolated and held accountable at all levels to end the longstanding policy of terrorism in Ukraine and around the world,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter.
So far, European law has not recognized a category or list for states that support terrorism. There is an EU terror list on which groups, institutions and individuals can be placed, but states cannot. The US, on the other hand, also has such a list for countries. Cuba, Iran, Syria and North Korea are currently working on it. For countries on this list there are bans on arms deals and financial sanctions.
Terrorist states must reckon with the consequences
The resolution, tabled on Wednesday, said listing a country as a “facilitator of terrorism” could trigger restrictive measures and affect the EU’s relations with countries on the list. What concrete consequences a corresponding list would have for Russia is unclear and would have to be decided by the EU countries.
Parliament also called for further curtailment of diplomatic ties with Russia and for contacts with Russian officials at all levels to be kept to an absolute minimum, which is already largely the case. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, EU countries and Russia have expelled numerous diplomats from the other side.
Decision not binding
The resolution also calls for further punitive measures, such as an embargo on Russian diamonds. There is also pressure to close down and ban state-related Russian institutions, organizations and associations under the protection of Russian diplomatic missions. The resolution of the European Parliament is not legally binding. EU countries must decide unanimously on sanctions.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
