European Parliament recognized Russia as a “sponsor of terrorism”

Members of the European Parliament adopted a resolution recognizing the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Photo: Internet

The European Parliament on November 23 in Strasbourg adopted a resolution recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism due to its military aggression against Ukraine. The resolution was supported by 494 members, while 58 voted against and 44 abstained.

By declaring Russia a state sponsor of terrorism and a state using terrorist means, the European Parliament intends to lay the groundwork to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government accountable before an international tribunal.

“Deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and other serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law are equated to acts of terrorism against the population of Ukraine and constitute war crimes,” the resolution states.

The resolution notes that Russia is considered an aggressor due to mass killings of innocent people, torture, abductions, and rapes in the territories it occupies. In particular, it highlights the mass killings in Bucha, Irpin, Izyum, and Lyman, as well as the bombing of the drama theater in Mariupol and the shelling of the Kramatorsk railway station.

The resolution also points out that Russia has violated the principles of the UN Charter, created a humanitarian crisis in Mariupol, destroyed 95% of the city, deprived citizens of access to water, gas, electricity, and the internet, as well as access to public services.