U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken fears recognizing Russia as a sponsor of terrorism. This could lead to a permanent severing of diplomatic relations. This is reported by The New York Times.

It is noted that American society has been under pressure for several weeks to officially declare Russia a sponsor of terrorism. North Korea, Syria, Cuba and Iran are now on the list.

But despite this, Blinken is resisting because this status would force the U.S. to impose sanctions on allies who do business with Russia. The State Department fears that this will destroy the remnants of diplomacy between Washington and Moscow.

However, the American edition notes that Blinken may be forced to declare Russia a sponsor of terrorism. According to the media, a group of Democrats in the House of Representatives on Thursday introduced a new measure which, if passed by Congress, would become law. This would recognize Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism without the approval of the State Department.