Designation of Russia as State Sponsor Would Have Hindered Ukraine Assistance, State Dept. Says

The designation of Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism would not be “the most effective or strongest path forward to hold Russia accountable,” and “could have unintended consequences for the world and for Ukraine as well,” a State Department spokesperson said during a press briefing Sept. 6. Asked about President Joe Biden’s announcement the previous day that he would not designate Russia, the spokesperson said the designation could “seriously affect the ability to deliver assistance to Ukraine,” and “could drive critical humanitarian and commercial actors away from facilitating food exports and engaging in the country.”