US Senators Prepare Bill To Recognize Lukashenko As A Sponsor Of Terrorism

• 12.09.2025, 8:58

Russia will also be on that list.

The U.S. Senate is preparing a bill that would declare Russia and the regime in Belarus as sponsors of terrorism because of the kidnapping of Ukrainian children.

Axios reports Axios.

As noted, Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican), Richard Blumenthal (Democrat), Amy Klobuchar (Democrat) and Kathy Britt (Republican) introduced a new bill Thursday that would put new pressure on Russia.

It would declare Russia and Belarus state sponsors of terrorism unless they return more than 19,000 children who Ukraine says were kidnapped during the war.

It is also reported that Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria are now recognized as state sponsors of terrorism under U.S. law.

Graham said "Russia has earned the right to be on this list."

"We're going to ask the leaders of both parties to give us an opportunity to debate this issue and vote on it, and we want to start right now," Graham said.

In addition, Graham continues to work to get the White House to support his separate bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia, which has more than 80 co-sponsors.

The bill would impose economic sanctions against Russia if Russian dictator Vododimir Putin refuses to negotiate with Ukraine, as well as impose a 500% duty on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil.

Graham told reporters Thursday that he had a "very good conversation" with the White House.

Graham said he plans to talk with Majority Leader John Thune (Republican Party) on Thursday about bringing the bill to a vote. "We're going to try to create another front against Putin's Russia," he said.