US legislators take aim at Russia over war crimes and aggression in Ukraine

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is advancing legislation to label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism in response to the kidnapping of Ukrainian children, as momentum grows for a broad, bipartisan package of sanctions against Moscow.

The move comes amid renewed concerns over Russian aggression following the country’s violation of Polish airspace this week, which has reignited calls among Senate leaders for a robust response to President Vladimir Putin’s actions.

On September 11, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced a new bill aimed at increasing pressure on Russia, as per Axios.

The legislation would designate Russia and Belarus as state sponsors of terrorism if they fail to return the more than 19,000 Ukrainian children that Kyiv says have been kidnapped during the war. Currently, only Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria carry this designation under U.S. law.

“It’s hard to get on that list. Well, let me tell you, Russia’s earned the right to be on this list,” Graham said, emphasising the urgency of congressional action. “We’re going to ask leaders of both parties to give us a chance to debate this and vote on it, and we want to put it in motion right now.”

The push for designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism is part of a broader legislative effort. Graham has also been working on a separate bipartisan sanctions bill, which now has more than 80 cosponsors. This legislation would impose economic sanctions on Russia if Putin refuses to negotiate with Ukraine and would levy a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil.

Graham told reporters that he had “a very good conversation” with the White House and that most differences had been resolved, with plans to discuss the timing of a vote with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). Thune confirmed there is “intensified interest” in passing the legislation.

Graham described the new bill as an effort to “create another front against Putin’s Russia.” He highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis, noting that Russian forces have reportedly kidnapped more than 19,500 Ukrainian children. “What’s the right answer? Do something about it. Get off our ass as a world and make this… unacceptable,” he said.

The push for sanctions is occurring against the backdrop of escalating Russian aggression in the region. Late Tuesday and early Wednesday, Poland and NATO forces shot down more than a dozen Russian drones that repeatedly violated Polish airspace.

President Donald Trump also reiterated his readiness to impose sanctions on Russia following the largest drone attack of the war, posting on Truth Social, “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go.” The incident has sparked bipartisan criticism of Russia and bolstered calls for a strong U.S. response.

By Tamilla Hasanova