Estonian Parliament recognizes Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism

On October 18, the Estonian Parliament condemned Russia’s attempt to annex the occupied Ukrainian territories. The country declared Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.

“For” voted 88 deputies. There were no votes against or abstentions, Err.ee reports.

Estonia recognized Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism

The draft document states that the Riigikogu declares the Russian regime a terrorist regime, and Russia – a state sponsor of terrorism, whose actions must be jointly resisted.

The Riigikogu also calls on the international community to adopt similar declarations.

In the resolution, the Parliament reiterated its condemnation of Russian aggression and attempts to annex Ukrainian territory on the basis of pseudo-referendums, noting that Estonia will never recognize it.

In addition, the Riigikogu supports the investigations initiated by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court into the crimes committed by Russia during the war against Ukraine. The Parliament called for the establishment of a special international tribunal to bring to justice those responsible for the crime of aggression.

The Estonian parliament also condemned the use by Russia of paramilitary formations created with the assistance of the Russian authorities, in particular the PMC “Wagner”.

The Riigikogu also calls to recognize the armed forces of the so-called “LPR” and “DPR” as terrorist organizations. The Parliament condemned the announcement and conduct of mobilization by the Russian regime, which violates international law.

By the way, the Riigikogu also supports the demand to deprive Russia of the status of a permanent member of the UN Security Council and calls on the EU member states to show unity in applying additional economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

Finally, the Parliament called on the West to significantly increase military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, as well as to support its post-war recovery.

How Ukraine reacted

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak thanked Estonia for recognizing Russia as a sponsor of terrorism.

“We thank Estonia for the decision. The Russian regime should be recognized as terrorist in the entire civilized world”, he wrote.

The Latvian Saeima on August 11 recognized Russia as a state that sponsors terrorism in the world. Riga also called on the European Union to stop issuing visas to citizens of Russia and Belarus.