The North American Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry describes the proposed US Congress measure to declare Russia a sponsor of terrorism as a move that would bring serious collateral damage. Diplomatic relations could suffer, potentially deteriorating to a lower level or even a rupture. The American side has been warned that such steps carry consequences in bilateral ties. This assessment reflects a belief that the current moment is highly volatile as Western powers push actions that Russia views as crossing clear international boundaries in law and diplomatic practice. Officials indicate that any discussion about what might be possible in Moscow-Washington relations at this stage remains purely hypothetical.
Pelosi Initiative
Syria, Iran, North Korea and Cuba are presently listed by the United States as state sponsors of terrorism. The designation enables Washington to impose broader sanctions, restrict arms and dual-use goods, and suspend certain forms of economic assistance. On July 21, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi asked the Secretary of State to begin the process of classifying Russia on the list. A week later, the proposal gained backing in the Senate.
In a congress document published on the official site, Russia is accused of waging a terrorist campaign against civilians during the Second Chechen War, supporting the Donbass republics, and participating in the campaign in Syria. State Department spokesperson Ned Price noted that the move would be evaluated under US law. He stressed that compliance with the law is essential and that the criteria for state sponsorship of terrorism would guide any action, with accountability through established legal channels guiding the response.
European Union Considerations
On August 11, Latvia’s parliament declared Russia a sponsor of terrorism. Deputies urged EU member states to restrict tourist and entry visas for Russians and Belarusians as soon as possible. An official statement from the Latvian Parliament described targeted military actions against Ukraine’s civilian population as terrorism and identified Russia as a state supporting terrorism. On August 12, a German parliamentarian argued that Latvia’s decision lacked a basis and that there was no clear EU evidence of Moscow’s guilt.
Zelensky’s Call to Action
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the world to recognize Russia as a terrorist state immediately after the onset of the special military operation. He called on all nations to respond swiftly to the aggressor’s tactics by branding Russia a terrorist country, emphasizing the need for accountability through international courts.
On April 15, Zelensky addressed the US President to add Russia to the list of states that support terrorism. In response, Washington signaled it would increase pressure on Moscow but did not indicate any immediate move to add Russia to the designated list. Reports note that Washington has historically been cautious in labeling states as sponsors of terrorism, reflecting a broader pattern of selective designation based on strategic considerations. Recognizing a country as a sponsor can trigger a cascade of consequences, including broad economic sanctions, asset freezes in the United States, and export bans. The designation process often leads to lasting status, with removals being rare and usually tied to extraordinary events or regime changes. For example, Sudan was delisted many years later as part of efforts to encourage normalization of relations in the region. This cautious approach underscores the delicate balance the United States seeks between accountability and broader diplomatic stability.