After the introduction of several packages of economic sanctions against the Russian Federation in connection with the full-scale armed aggression in Ukraine on November 23, the European Parliament adopted a significant decision - it recognized Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Resolution of the European Parliament
MEPs voted in favor of a resolution stating that Russia's attacks on civilian targets in Ukraine - power facilities, hospitals, schools and shelters - violate international law. The resolution was supported by 494 MEPs, 58 were against, 44 abstained.
Symbolic meaning
It is noteworthy that the voting took place right during the next mass launch of Russian missiles on peaceful Ukrainian cities. Basically, the adoption of this resolution has a symbolic meaning. The European Parliament called on the EU countries to further limit diplomatic relations with Russia and reduce contacts with Russian officials to the absolute minimum necessary. In practice, this has already happened.
The reaction of the President of Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is pleased with the result of the vote. He says that Russia should be isolated in every possible way: “I welcome the decision of the European Parliament to recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism and a state using the means of terrorism. Russia must be isolated at all levels and held accountable in order to put an end to its longstanding policy of terrorism in Ukraine and the world.”
