The move taken by the European Parliament, according to experts, is primarily symbolic and unlikely to be applied to other aggressor nations like Syria.The European Parliament has labeled Russia a "state sponsor of terrorism," citing Russian atrocities against Ukrainians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure as violations of international and humanitarian laws. The declaration was made in Brussels, Belgium.
"Ukrainian officials, who have been pushing the European Union and NATO countries to label Russia a terrorist state, were pleased by the move that the Parliament made on Wednesday."
"Russia is a nation of terrorists:the European Parliament has confirmed.Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, tweeted his appreciation to the European Parliament for its "clear stance" on Russia. "Russia has a history of acts of terror against sovereign states, support for terrorist regimes and organizations including Wagner, and war of terror on Ukraine," he said.
However, the Russia label issued by the European Parliament is not legally enforceable.
The EU does not have a comparable mechanism or centralized list of state sponsors of terrorism.Therefore, there will be no immediate legal repercussions.According to Sajjan M Gohel, a counterterrorism expert and guest lecturer at the London School of Economics (LSE), "the decision-making process in foreign policy is under the purview of the 27 EU member states, and the European Parliament has limited influence in this regard."
He stated that the declaration made by the Parliament "is largely a symbolic indictment of Russia's actions in Ukraine."
While the statement predominantly focussed on Russia's activities in Ukraine, the Parliament additionally approached EU pioneers to incorporate the Russian paramilitary association the Wagner Gathering of hired soldier warriors, known for a few horrendous barbarities in Syria, and Russia's 141st Exceptional Mechanized Regiment, the Kadyrovites - infmaous for merciless tasks in Syria and Ukraine - to the EU's dread rundown.