US President Joe Biden spoke on Monday against designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism over the conflict in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden said “no” when asked whether he believes Russia should be branded a state sponsor of terrorism.
Last month, two US senators – Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) – urged Biden to endorse the move, in an effort to ramp up pressure on Moscow. The designation, which is issued by the US State Department, means the US deems the country in question to have “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.”
The status would bring about, among other things, a ban on defense exports and sales, certain controls over exports of dual-use items, and a number of financial restrictions. Only four countries are currently designated as state sponsors of terrorism – North Korea, Iran, Cuba, and Syria.