The United States called the final decision not to recognize Russia as a “sponsor of terrorism”

The decision of the administration of US President Joe Biden not to include Russia in the list of countries sponsoring terrorism is final, stated at a briefing by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

“This is not the most effective way to hold Russia accountable. It can lead to unforeseen consequences for Ukraine and the world,” she said.

In particular, such a decision could greatly undermine the ability to provide assistance to some Ukrainian regions, as well as alienate the largest private and humanitarian organizations in helping to realize Ukrainian food exports. When asked whether this decision is final, the press secretary answered in the affirmative.

According to The Washington Post, in April Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Biden to recognize Russia as a “sponsor of terrorism.” Later, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Washington was exploring such a possibility. Previously, the US has already included Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria in the list of countries sponsoring terrorism.

Earlier, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, did not rule out that assigning such a status to Russia could lead to a severance of diplomatic relations with the United States and become a “point of no return” in relations between Moscow and Washington.

Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov also noted the unenviable state of relations between Russia and the United States. “It is difficult to do something that can further damage relations between Russia and America,” he said.

Subscribe on Vedomosti on Telegram and stay up to date with the main economic and business news.