Zelensky: “Russia is concerned about nuclear use… Designation as a State Sponsor of Terror”

Biden: ‘Reviewing various ways to press Russia’
Does not immediately respond to requests for designation as a state sponsor of terrorism
Russia bans British prime minister over ‘weapons aid’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech in Kiiu, Ukraine, on 13 March. “We need more weapons to stop the atrocities committed by Russia,” Zelensky said. 2022.04.14. [키이우=AP/뉴시스]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia may use nuclear weapons and has called on the US to designate Russia as a sponsor of terrorism.

“The information that Russia can use nuclear weapons may be true,” Zelensky told CNN on the 15th. CIA Director William Burns said on the 14th that “Given the frustration and desperation that Putin and his army must have suffered, no one would take the threat of using tactical or low-power nuclear weapons lightly.” Immediately following the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has continued to threaten nuclear weapons by instructing units using nuclear weapons to prepare for special combat missions and discussing the possibility of using nuclear weapons through officials.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 15th, President Zelensky requested that Russia designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism in a phone call with US President Joe Biden. The WP reported that “President Biden said he would consider various ways to increase pressure on Russia.”

The US has designated North Korea, Cuba, Iran and Syria as state sponsors of terrorism. If Russia becomes a state sponsor of terrorism, individuals and countries that do business with Russia will be subject to sanctions, and exports will also be restricted. “Adding Russia to the list of state sponsors of terrorism is an economic nuclear option,” a former State Department official said, pointing out that it might adversely affect relations with other countries.

Russia has banned British Prime Minister Boris Johnson from entering Ukraine, who promised 120 armored vehicles and anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. Germany is investing 1 billion euros (regarding 1.3 trillion won) in military aid to Ukraine.

Reporter Shin Ah-hyung abro@donga.com

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