Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

This bill, titled the "Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act," aims to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. It highlights extensive findings detailing Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including the killing, wounding, and widespread kidnapping and deportation of Ukrainian children. The legislation asserts that these actions, particularly the forced "Russification" of children, constitute acts of international terrorism. A core provision requires the Secretary of State to submit a report within 60 days of the Act's effective date. This report must certify whether all Ukrainian children kidnapped or forcibly removed since February 2022 have been reunited with their families in a secure environment and if their full reintegration into Ukrainian society is underway. If the Secretary cannot make these certifications, the Russian Federation shall be immediately designated as a state sponsor of terrorism under existing U.S. laws. The bill also establishes clear conditions for the rescission of this designation. Rescission can occur only if the Secretary of State certifies that Russia has not supported international terrorism for the preceding three months, provides assurances against future support, and crucially, that all kidnapped children have been reunited with their families and their reintegration process is fully underway. This legislation underscores a strong congressional intent to address Russia's actions against Ukrainian children.