Biden administration chooses sanctions over terrorism label for Russia, citing greater impact

“We do not consider [designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism] the most effective means of achieving our political objectives when it comes to Russia,” Miller said.

According to him, U.S. sanctions, including recent packages introduced last week and this week, have had practical effects. After restrictions were imposed on Russia’s energy sector, tankers carrying Russian oil began stalling globally, including off China’s coast, he added.

Miller confirmed that on Jan. 15, new measures were introduced to limit Russia’s ability to circumvent previous restrictions and grant additional powers to the U.S. Congress to ease sanctions against Russia in the future.

He noted that designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism would restrict the operations of international humanitarian organizations and create other consequences that could affect their ability to work in the region.

EU sanctions against Russia

On Dec. 14, 2024, Bloomberg reported that the European Union planned to impose sanctions against more than a dozen individuals and three organizations as part of its first measures targeting Russian disinformation and hybrid actions.

The EU also proposed expanding sanctions against Belarus.

New EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the bloc’s intention to introduce a new sanctions package against Russia.

On Dec. 16, the EU Council approved its 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and North Korea.

The list includes Russian military personnel involved in the attack on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt hospital, executives in the energy sector, and individuals responsible for child deportations, propaganda, and sanctions evasion.

On Jan. 15, 2025, Bloomberg reported that the EU was considering gradually restricting imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and aluminum.