Ukraine's President Asks President Joe Biden to Designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
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Updated
Apr 18, 2022
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking President Joe Biden to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Zelenskyy reportedly talked to Biden on the phone about the request, and the White House is reviewing it.
According to The Christian Post, if the request is approved, the U.S. could adopt aggressive sanctions against Russia.
The U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism already includes North Korea, Iran, Syria and Cuba.
“We have put in place the most unprecedented sanctions and export controls with over 30 countries across four continents,” a source was quoted as saying. “As usual, we’re not going to comment on any one specific option, but we will continue to consider all options to increase the pressure on Putin.”
Zelenskyy said in an interview on CNN on Sunday that he is worried Russian president Putin could try to use nuclear or chemical weapons against Ukraine.
“Not only me … all of the world, all of the countries have to be worried because it can be not real information, but it can be truth,” Zelenskyy told CNN. “Chemical weapons … they could do it, for them the life of the people [is] nothing. … We should think, not be afraid, not be afraid but be ready. But that is not a question for Ukraine, not only for Ukraine but for all the world, I think.”
The New York Post reports that Zelenskyy said the world needs to “prepare” for the possible attack.
“Anti-radiation medicine and air raid shelters would be needed,” he said, noting that Russia “can use any weapon, I’m convinced of it.”
Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, and officials say that at least 1,982 civilians have been killed and more than 2,600 have been injured. That amount includes some 162 children.
“Most of the civilian casualties recorded were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems, and missile and air strikes,” the U.N. said, adding that the actual number of casualties is likely to be “considerably higher.”
Related:
How Christian Aid Groups Are Helping in Ukraine
U.S. to Accept 100,000 Refugees from Ukraine
Biden and NATO Leaders Hold 'Extraordinary' Summit in Belgium
The U.S. Formally Accuses Russia of Committing War Crimes in Ukraine
Photo courtesy: ©President of Ukraine/Public Domain
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
