Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act

This bill aims to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, primarily in response to its aggression in Ukraine. It highlights the targeting of innocent civilians, especially children, through killings, injuries, and widespread kidnapping and deportation. The bill asserts that these actions, including the forced "Russification" of Ukrainian children , constitute acts of international terrorism. The legislation details how over 19,546 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped or displaced, many forced into "re-education" camps or paramilitary organizations. These efforts, intended to destroy Ukrainian identity and promote allegiance to Russia, align with the legal definition of international terrorism , which includes violent acts meant to intimidate civilian populations and affect government conduct through kidnapping. Previous Senate resolutions have also condemned these actions and called for Russia's designation. To enact the designation, the bill mandates that the Secretary of State, within 60 days, certify whether all kidnapped Ukrainian children have been reunited with their families in a secure environment and if their full reintegration into Ukrainian society is underway. If this certification cannot be made, the Secretary must immediately designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism under existing legal frameworks. Rescission of this designation is contingent upon Russia ceasing support for international terrorism and the complete return and reintegration of all affected children.