European Parliament resolution declares Russia a state sponsor of terrorism

MEPs on Wednesday adopted a resolution recognizing Russia as a state sponsoring terrorism. Lawmakers have said they are preparing the ground for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government to appear before an international tribunal.

“Regular attacks and atrocities carried out by the Russian Federation against the civilian population of Ukraine, destruction of civilian infrastructure and other serious violations of international humanitarian law amount to acts of terrorism against the population of Ukraine and constitute a war crime,” the text of the document reads.

In it, Russia is recognized as a country that uses the methods of terrorism during war. MEPs have called for new legislation to allow entire states to be put on the terrorist list. Currently, only organizations and individuals can be added to the EU terrorism list.

The MEPs called on the EU countries to support the creation of a special tribunal related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Before the vote, it was noted that the document should become a step towards the legal prosecution of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government.

The resolution does not oblige the European countries to take any action and is of a symbolic nature. 494 MEPs supported its adoption, 44 abstained, 58 were against.