Latvian parliament calls Russia 'state sponsor of terrorism' over Ukraine war

Latvia's parliament has designated Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" over the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine and called on Western allies to impose wide-ranging sanctions on Moscow in order to bring an end to the war, news agencies have reported.

A rally in support of Ukraine held in Zagreb, Croatia, July 31, 2022.

Photo: EPA/ANTONIO BAT

"Latvia recognises Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people," the Latvian parliament said in a resolution on Thursday.

It added that Western countries should increase their military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic backing for Ukraine and support initiatives condemning Russia's actions, the Reuters news agency reported.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, in a tweet, thanked Latvian lawmakers for their resolution.

"Russia has long deserved this status with its actions in Ukraine and beyond," Kuleba tweeted.

"Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit," he added.

Grateful to Latvian parliament Saeimas and all of its members for recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. A timely move: Russia has long deserved this status with its actions in Ukraine and beyond. Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit. https://t.co/1lZNfYg7nP

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) August 11, 2022

In May, Lithuanian lawmakers voted unanimously to label Moscow's assault on Ukraine as "genocide" and to denounce Russia as "a state that supports and perpetrates terrorism," according to reports at the time.

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters