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The United States believes that comprehensive sanctions are more effective in achieving political goals regarding Russia than designating it as a state sponsor of terrorism (SST).
This was stated by U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing.
Miller was asked why the U.S. has not designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, especially after the recent removal of Cuba from the list.
“We do not consider this [SST designation] the most effective tool for achieving our existing political goals when it comes to Russia,” he said.
According to the State Department spokesperson, the scale of sanctions already imposed by the U.S., including recent packages introduced last week and this week, has had significant consequences.
Miller highlighted that following the restrictions imposed on Russia’s energy sector, tankers carrying Russian oil have been halted worldwide, including near China’s coast.
He emphasized that as of January 15, Russia has lost the ability to circumvent previously introduced restrictions. Additionally, Congress has been granted more authority to ease sanctions on the aggressor in the future.
“These are just the effects of the most recent package. When you consider the combined sanctions and export controls regime we have implemented, we have determined that this has a greater impact than an SST designation,” Miller explained.
He added that designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism could limit the operations of international humanitarian organizations and lead to other consequences affecting their ability to work in the region.
In December 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on individuals associated with TGR Group, an international network of companies and employees facilitating sanctions evasion for the benefit of the Russian elite.
On January 10, the U.S. also announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s oil refining industry, affecting major players such as Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz.
On January 15, the U.S. Treasury announced sanctions against additional Russian schemes used to circumvent restrictions on military goods.
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