Is Russia a state sponsor of terror?

Main Topic: The debate over whether to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, a move that has gained momentum in the US Congress but is being resisted by the Biden administration.

Key Participants:

• Delaney Simon, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, arguing against the designation
• Kira Rudik, member of the Ukrainian parliament and leader of the Holos party, arguing in favor of the designation

Key Points:

• The designation would trigger comprehensive sanctions, including export controls, restrictions on debt relief and international financing, and potential lawsuits against Russia in US courts.
• The designation would also limit Russia's sovereign immunity, allowing US citizens to sue the country for certain offenses.
• Delaney Simon argues that the designation would be counterproductive, as it would be difficult to lift and could hamper US and Ukrainian efforts to negotiate a peace deal with Russia.
• Kira Rudik argues that the designation would provide a powerful tool for imposing sanctions on Russia and would help to freeze its assets, which could be used to support Ukraine.
• Rudik also argues that the designation would not be seen as an escalation by Putin, but rather as a necessary step to hold Russia accountable for its actions.