Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

The "Russia is a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act" aims to formally designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing its repeated support for international terrorism, brutal actions against civilians in the Second Chechen War, and ongoing violence against Ukrainian civilians since 2014, including the abduction of children. The bill further highlights Russia's material support for the Syrian regime and its use of mercenary networks like the Wagner Group , which has been identified as a transnational criminal organization engaged in severe human rights abuses globally. These findings align with calls from Ukrainian leadership and the European Parliament for such a designation. Upon enactment, the bill automatically triggers various U.S. sanctions under laws such as the Export Control Reform Act, but explicitly exempts transactions for exporting agricultural products from Ukraine or providing humanitarian assistance. The designation includes a sunset clause , terminating either upon the start of Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations or after five years. Crucially, blocked Russian assets will not be used to satisfy terrorism judgments; instead, they will remain under executive authority to support U.S. foreign policy interests, including aid to Ukraine.