Latvia designates Russia a "state sponsor of terrorism" over Ukraine war

[August 11, 2022]  VILNIUS (Reuters) - Latvia's parliament on Thursday designated Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" over the war in Ukraine and called on Western allies to impose more comprehensive sanctions on Moscow in order to bring an end to the conflict. 

People stand outside of a residential building damaged by a Russian military strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kharkiv, Ukraine August 11, 2022. REUTERS/Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy

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

Western nations should increase their military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic backing for Ukraine and support initiatives condemning Russia's actions, it added.

Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes and thousands have been killed since Russia's invasion in February.

Moscow says it does not deliberately target civilians in what it calls its "special military operation" aimed at safeguarding Russia's security and protecting Russian speakers in Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was grateful for the Latvian parliament's resolution.

"Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit," Kuleba tweeted.

(Reporting by Augustas Stankevicius, writing by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Toby Chopra)

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