U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican Party) and Richard Blumenthal (Democratic Party) called on the administration of President Joe Biden to recognize Russia as a sponsor of terrorism. This was reported by CNN.

"I think the administration should tell Russia that we're making them a pariah," Blumenthal stressed.

They noted that recognizing rf as a sponsor of terrorism should be done by either the president or Congress.

Both senators said Biden should increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and continue to help Ukraine.

"I hope the president decides to take that position voluntarily, and he doesn't take it off the table on state-sponsored terrorism," Blumenthal added.

Lindsey Graham urged the Biden administration to work with Congress on recognizing the rf as a state sponsor of terrorism, but noted that Congress would advance the decision regardless.

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Andrea Kalan said the U.S. Congress would establish criteria for recognizing Russia as a sponsor of terrorism.