Keating, Fitzpatrick Lead Bipartisan Ultimatum to Putin: Return Abducted Ukrainian Children or Face Terror Designation

Washington, DC— On Tuesday, in response to the systematic abduction and deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children, Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA) , along with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, introduced the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the Secretary of State to designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism if it refuses to return the estimated more than 19,000 Ukrainian children abducted during its illegal war of aggression.

Companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Together, these efforts represent a unified, bipartisan commitment to hold the Kremlin accountable for acts that meet the clear definition of state-sponsored terrorism.

“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.”

“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.

Since February 2022, Ukrainian authorities estimate that at least 19,546 children have been forcibly taken from their homes and transported into Russian custody or occupied territories. Many of these children are sent to “re-education” camps, where they face indoctrination, forced cultural erasure, and, in some cases, military training. This is not random or isolated — it is a coordinated state policy designed to break a nation by breaking its future.

A Clear and Measured Response

Under U.S. law, countries that repeatedly support or engage in acts of international terrorism may be designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism, triggering some of the most severe economic, diplomatic, and strategic consequences available.

The Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act would:

• Set a definitive timeline: Require the Secretary of State to certify within 60 days that the abducted children have been returned and reintegration is underway.
• Impose direct consequences: Failure to comply triggers a mandatory designation under Section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2019, Section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and other relevant authorities.
• Raise the cost of state terror: Intensify pressure on the Kremlin, further isolating it from the international community.

By formally designating Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the U.S. would raise the cost of doing business with Moscow exponentially, sending a clear message to international actors: partnering with the Kremlin comes with legal risk, financial penalty, and reputational consequence.

“The world must understand: this is not symbolic,” Fitzpatrick continued. “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.”