The White House said Tuesday that naming Russia a state sponsor of terror could have “unintended consequences,” both for Ukraine and for the wider world.
President Joe Biden said on Labor Day he thinks Russia should not be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, even though Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky had requested he take that step. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre elaborated on Biden’s comments.
UKRAINE SAYS RUSSIAN MILITARY DEATH TOLL SURPASSES 50,000
“It is not the most effective or strongest path forward, as we have said many times before, to hold Russia accountable,” she said. “This designation could have unintended consequences to Ukraine and the world.”
As an example, Jean-Pierre said designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism could make it harder to deliver humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. The move could also jeopardize a Black Sea port deal that has led to more than a million tons of Ukrainian food exports being shipped, she added.
Biden replied, “No,” when asked if Russia should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism, a move Moscow has said would rupture U.S.-Russian ties. Some lawmakers in the United States have also called for Russia to be recognized as a terrorism sponsor.
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More than 50,000 Russian service members have been killed in the more than six months since the war in Ukraine began, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
