Politico: US Congress may recognise Russia as a sponsor of terrorism

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi warned Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that Congress itself will put Russia on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism if the State Department does not, Politico reports, citing people familiar with the matter.

"Pelosi turned to <...> Blinken with a message: recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, otherwise Congress will do it," the newspaper writes.

It is noted that the warning was made during a phone call that took place this week.

According to Politico, some congressmen believe that they can pass the law without the participation of the State Department.

"Clearly, congressional passage of legislation is a more difficult path than a secretary's decision, but it will give the administration the political cover needed to increase economic pressure on Putin and toughen rhetoric against him," the newspaper quoted an unnamed congressional official as saying.