Senator Lindsey Graham has threatened to advance bipartisan legislation designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism if Moscow fails to return Ukrainian children it allegedly abducted. This follows accusations against Russia of taking over 20,000 Ukrainian children during its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, reportedly raising them for adoption in an effort to assimilate them into Russian culture.
“I’m going to fight for these kids as long as I can,” Graham stated during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. He added that if Russia doesn’t return approximately 19,000 children, he will push for the enactment of laws labeling Russia a sponsor of state terrorism, calling such a move potentially “radioactive.”
The figures surrounding the number of abducted children vary, with some Ukrainian officials suggesting the total might be as high as 35,000.
The Kremlin’s hostility toward Ukraine has been evident since the 2014 revolution that ousted the pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych. There are suspicions that the abduction of these children is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Russian influence over Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials and NGOs, some of these children have allegedly been used in combat against Ukrainian forces.
Before President Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the White House emphasized that the mass abduction of Ukrainian children remains a pressing concern. Trump handed Putin a letter from the First Lady, advocating for peace but refraining from directly addressing the issue of abduction.
Graham argued that designating Russia a national sponsor of terrorism could help tarnish its image internationally due to its actions involving Ukrainian children.
“They should be labeled as sponsors of Russian terrorism until they return these children. A peace agreement must include the return of these abducted children to Ukraine,” Graham asserted. He emphasized that the conflict would not truly end without action from Putin on this issue, stating, “If Putin doesn’t return these kids, he should be labeled a national sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law. It makes Russia radioactive.”
Graham has also introduced a bipartisan sanctions bill alongside Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), aiming to hold Russia accountable. So far, Trump seems inclined to act independently regarding secondary tariffs and sanctions rather than pursue the bill. Graham and Blumenthal have garnered support from 85 co-sponsors.
“The way to conclude this war is to make Russia aware that failing to do so could devastate their fossil fuel economy,” Graham remarked.
He expressed optimism about Trump’s judgment in dealing with Putin and mentioned, “I can’t imagine anyone better to be in the room with Putin than President Trump.”
Graham also indicated he is “cautiously optimistic” about the prospects of ending the war. Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday, alongside a group of European leaders who support Ukraine.
