The country does not fit America's criteria for such a designation, according to Washington's envoy for global criminal justice
The EU parliament adopted a resolution calling Russia a "state sponsor of terrorism" on Wednesday.
"The designation of a state sponsor of terror in terms of the way US law defines it is not a good match for Russia here," Van Schaack told journalists. Washington is currently "exploring other potential designations" that would allow it to potentially impose further sanctions on Moscow, the ambassador added.
Comment: The US (and the West more generally) seems to be a glutton for punishment when it comes to sanctions.
According to Van Schaack, such a label would not be necessary since the US is already "utilizing our sanctions to an incredible degree."
The non-binding resolution by the EU parliament was supported by 494 MEPs while 58 voted against it and 44 abstained. The MEPs particularly stated that Russia's attacks on "the civilian population of Ukraine [and] the destruction of civilian infrastructure" amount to "war crimes" and "acts of terror."
Comment: Which just goes to show how dangerously misinformed, or compromised, the majority of the EU parliament is.
The document also called on Brussels to develop a relevant legal framework allowing it to officially brand entire nations as sponsors of terrorism, adding that it is currently not possible.
Comment: Surely it'd be difficult for the West to write such a framework that they themselves don't qualify for.
The resolution also demanded what it called the "comprehensive international isolation" of Russia, including the further reduction of diplomatic relations and the swift adoption of a new round of sanctions.
Comment: Their outlook verges on the delusional: Algeria wants to join BRICS, other countries expected to join are Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran
"Contacts with its official representatives at all levels (should) be kept to the absolute minimum necessary," the document stated.
Comment: How can the EU work towards peace if they won't speak to Russia?
On Tuesday, Van Schaack said the US is "very interested in what the Europeans are doing," adding that such a resolution "carries great weight."
Comment: The US is 'interested' because it needs to know its vassals continue to be obedient.
The EU parliament's document adopted so far is largely symbolic as it does not impose any legal commitments on Brussels.
On Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry blasted any such designations as a way for the West to legitimize their "unilateral coercive measures" against their perceived adversaries.
"A number of nations representing the 'collective West' use such labels as a 'terrorist state,' 'terrorist regime' or a 'state sponsor of terrorism' to designate those nations [they consider] 'unwelcome' and not fitting their warped perceptions of democracy," Ivan Nechayev, the deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Department, told the Russian media.
Putting an End to Volodymyr 🐍elensky’s Follies [Link]