Three consequences: Klimkin explained what it would mean to recognize the Russian Federation as a terrorist country
The recognition of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism will have three key consequences, and these are not just new sanctions.
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Pavlo Klimkin, spoke about the details in an interview with Suspilne, which was broadcast on the nationwide telethon.
He reminded that Lithuania and Latvia have already recognized the Russian Federation as a terrorist state. However, the key is the decision of the United States, which could be an extremely important step.
Its first consequence will be the simplified introduction of new anti-Russian sanctions.
– If our friends in Lithuania and Latvia do it, that’s cool. But it is a symbol. If the Americans do it and introduce the status of either a terrorist country or a country sponsoring terrorism, new sanctions pass much easier and better in any Congress and Senate, Klimkin noted.
The second consequence will be responsibility for those countries that still cooperate with the Russian Federation. For example, India still buys Russian oil at a discount. And if Russia were recognized as a terrorist country, those Indian companies that do this would be subject to sanctions.
– Now the Americans are trying to stop attempts to circumvent sanctions through China… And then it will be systemic. Everyone who cooperates with Russia in certain areas will be purged, Klimkin explained.
And the third consequence: the status of a terrorist country for the Russian Federation would greatly simplify the withdrawal of its frozen assets around the world for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
“In order to use them for our recovery, they must be confiscated. Court decisions are needed for that. Who is taking money from? In criminals. Therefore, this money should be criminalized. If there is a decision about a terrorist country, can you imagine how much easier the decisions of national courts will be? It will be ten times easier, Klimkin emphasized.
Commenting on the hesitation of the US in this matter, the former minister confirmed that Washington is trying to preserve some space for dialogue with the Russian Federation.
– This is a sanctioned nuclear weapon. All that is happening now on the part of the USA, let’s call it “missile strikes”… But the decision about the terrorist country is sanctioned nuclear weapons, it is a complete confiscation of Russian assets or almost complete. That’s why the US says: we can, but at the same time we need talks on strategic arms control. That’s why the Americans use both “gingerbread” and “whip”, Klimkin said.
As you know, on May 10, the Seimas of Lithuania recognized the Russian Federation as a terrorist state. And on August 11, the Seimas of Latvia adopted a statement recognizing Russia as a sponsor of terrorism.
At the same time, the USA is in no hurry to take a similar step. According to American media reports, the US State Department is warning Congress about the problems that may arise if the relevant decision is adopted.
