US Senators Propose Designating Russia, Belarus State Terror Sponsors Over Ukrainian Child Abductions

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Lindsey Graham, Richard Blumenthal, Amy Klobuchar, and Katie Britt, has introduced legislation to designate Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism due to the abduction of more than 19,000 Ukrainian children during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The bill threatens this designation if Russia and Belarus do not return the abducted children, joining the existing list of countries such as Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Senator Graham emphasized that Russia has "earned the right to be on this list" and is pushing for bipartisan support and a vote on the measure, while also working on a separate sanctions bill with over 80 co-sponsors. The senators condemned the abductions as crimes against humanity, highlighting reports that some children have been put up for adoption or sent to military camps and trained to fight against Ukraine. The initiative aims to make Moscow’s economy "radioactive" on the world stage as a response to these acts, with strong language from senators and public figures condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as a war criminal. The proposal reflects growing U.S. efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and increase pressure on the Kremlin through both legal and economic means.