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We the people ask the federal government to Take or explain a position on an issue or policy:

Designate Russia as "State Sponsor of Terrorism"

Created by A.K. on April 23, 2014

In its unannounced war against Ukraine, Russia relies on covert operations which fall squarely within the definition of "international terrorism" under 18 U.S.C. § 2331. Specifically, armed operatives of Russia, acting under disguise, attempt to influence the policy of Ukrainian government by intimidation or coercion. They also try to affect the conduct of a government by assassinations and kidnapping, taking by force government buildings, police posts and military bases of Ukraine. This activity is being conducted on large scale and over prolonged time period, despite condemnation by the USA, G-7, NATO, EU and UN.

Accordingly, Russia must be officially designated as "State sponsor of terrorism", per http://www.state.gov/j/ct/list/c14151.htm

Foreign Policy

Response to Petition

Response to We the People Petition on Russia

The Secretary of State has the authority to determine which countries have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism and so designate them as “state sponsors of terrorism” pursuant to three laws: Section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act, Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act. Taken together, the four main categories of sanctions resulting from designation under these authorities include: restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance; a ban on defense exports and sales; certain controls over exports of dual use items; and miscellaneous financial and other restrictions. Currently, four countries are so designated: Syria, Cuba, Iran, and Sudan.

We remain deeply concerned by Russia’s continuing destabilizing actions in eastern Ukraine and its ongoing failure to fulfill the commitments to which it agreed in Minsk. We are also very concerned that, according to a U.N. report published in mid-November, Russia’s noncompliance and ongoing aggressive actions continue to result in fatalities—military and civilian—in eastern Ukraine, with an average of 13 per day.

In response to Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine, including its occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, the United States and its international partners have imposed sanctions in Russia's financial, energy, and defense sectors. Dozens of senior Russian officials, members of President Putin’s inner circle, and other individuals materially or financially supporting actions undermining or threatening Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence are now subject to asset freezes and travel bans. The United States and our G-7 partners are no longer supporting development finance for Russia.

We have repeatedly made it clear that President Putin has a choice. If he is willing to find a lasting settlement to the conflict within the context of the Minsk agreements and without setting unreasonable conditions, sanctions could be rolled back. If Russia continues to flout its commitments and continues its dangerous and destabilizing actions, then the costs to Russia will continue to rise.

Tell us what you think about this response and We the People.

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