Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, and Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would require the Secretary of State to designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism if it does not return over 19,000 Ukrainian children who were reportedly abducted during Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The bill, known as the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, is joined by companion legislation in the Senate from Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Lawmakers describe this as a unified effort to hold Russia accountable for actions they say fit the definition of state-sponsored terrorism.
“There is nothing accidental about the abduction of thousands of children. It is calculated, it is state-directed, and it is an unmistakable act of terror. America cannot be silent in the face of such deliberate evil. This legislation makes clear: either these children are returned home, or Russia will bear the full weight of being recognized for what it has become — a state sponsor of terrorism. And when America leads with strength, the world follows,” said Fitzpatrick.
“The Kremlin’s forcible abduction of more than 19,000 Ukrainian children during its war of aggression against Ukraine is an unconscionable act that demands justice and accountability,” said Ranking Member Keating.“As the Kremlin continues this illegal war, the United States must not only stand with Ukraine at every step but also impose significant costs on Russia for the Kremlin’s crimes. This legislation is one step of what must be a broader campaign of additional sanctions against Russia and continued military support for Ukraine to secure Ukraine’s victory and ensure this illegal war and the criminal abduction of innocent children never happens again.”
Ukrainian authorities estimate that since February 2022 at least 19,546 children have been forcibly taken from their homes into Russian custody or occupied territories. Many have been sent to camps where they reportedly undergo indoctrination and military training.
The proposed law would require certification within 60 days from the Secretary of State that all abducted children have been returned and reintegration efforts are underway. If this does not occur, Russia would be designated under several U.S. statutes as a State Sponsor of Terrorism—a move that carries significant economic and diplomatic consequences.
Fitzpatrick added: “The world must understand: this is not symbolic. A State Sponsor of Terrorism designation carries real teeth. It will make every dollar, every shipment, every transaction that touches the Kremlin more dangerous and more costly. And it will bring the full weight of U.S. law down on those who aid and enable this regime.”
Fitzpatrick has represented Pennsylvania’s 1st District in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Mike Fitzpatrick [source]. He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and currently lives in Levittown [source]. Fitzpatrick graduated from La Salle University with a bachelor’s degree in 1996 before earning his law degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2001 [source].
Previously, Fitzpatrick has worked closely with President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials to align U.S.-Ukraine strategy during ongoing hostilities with Russia. In April he co-introduced another bill targeting Russian entities through increased sanctions.
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