The US Congress is considering an alternative possibility of granting Russia the status of an "aggressor country", "terrorist country" or "aggressor country that commits terrorist acts against civilians", Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova said in an interview with Suspilne.
Thus, Ukraine is currently negotiating with partners that Russia should be added to the list of "state sponsors of terrorism", which now includes North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Iran.
This is done to "put in place restrictions that will further isolate the Russian Federation".
"Of course, we understand that it is not a sponsor of terrorism. This status was once invented for countries that assist terrorist organizations on their or other territories. And Russia is a terrorist itself. That is a country that has a regular army, government, and a, so to speak, elected president. They are all war criminals. They are all engaged in aggression and terrorism. Therefore, one question is how we will, so to say, call Russia, another question is what will be behind this name," the diplomat said.
As for alternative statuses, they can be introduced through the adoption of a new law by Congress.
"This is now under active discussion. For us, this is a priority because we want, first of all, to name it correctly and assess it legislatively and politically, and secondly and most importantly - what will be the essence of these restrictions. And we believe that there should be maximum restrictions in terms of legislation, sanctions, restrictions, and export controls that will not allow Russia to continue to wage this war. This is still work in progress. This is a key priority for 2023," she added.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized the Russian Federation as a terrorist state on 14 April 2022. On 3 May 2022, Ukraine appealed to the House of Representatives and the Senate of the US Congress to recognize the Russian Federation as a sponsor of terrorism.