Senator Blumenthal Demands Russia Be Designated State Sponsor of Terrorism

Call to Designate Russia as State Sponsor of Terrorism

• 🇺🇸 Senator Richard Blumenthal is pushing for legislation to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.
• 🇷🇺 This designation is a response to Russia's actions, particularly the violent abduction and kidnapping of Ukrainian children.
• 💔 The abduction of children, including a two-year-old infant, is described as a crime against humanity aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity and culture.

Rationale and Impact of Designation

• 🎯 Designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism aims to brand the country as a pariah on the global stage.
• ⚖️ This action is intended to have both moral and economic implications, condemning Russia for its atrocities.
• 🌍 The senator emphasizes that appeasement is not a strategy and that the world must stand for more than just military and economic power.

Economic Sanctions and Strength

• 💰 Blumenthal calls for a vote on a bipartisan sanctions bill with 85 co-sponsors to cripple Putin's economy.
• ⛽ He advocates for scorching sanctions that stop the flow of money from countries buying Russian oil and gas.
• 🤝 The goal is to bring Putin to the table and achieve peace by targeting Russia's economy.

Condemnation of Political Violence

• 🚨 The senator begins by condemning political violence in America, stating it has no place in discourse regardless of political spectrum.
• ⚠️ He draws a through line from 9/11 to political killings and terrorism, highlighting violence as a common thread.
• 🗣️ He stresses that the frequency and severity of violence should be shocking to all Americans.