Zelensky: PACE decision to recognize Russia as terrorist state is political signal
Interfax.ruOct 14, 2022
The Facts
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), an international organization of European lawmakers separate from the EU, voted on Thursday almost unanimously in favor of a resolution calling on European countries to classify Russia as a terrorist regime.
99 out of 100 members, who are drawn from 46 European parliaments, voted in support of the resolution, with just one Turkish MP, a member of the Republican People’s Party, abstaining.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
An overwhelming number of countries have Ukraine’s back, and more might soon join in opposing Russia’s aggression. This vote is confirmation that Russia's actions are terrorism and, since no one should negotiate with terrorists, this conflict can only end by beating Russia militarily.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West must be careful with how it demonizes the Kremlin. Designating Russia a terrorist regime is a dangerous move that corners Putin — whose threats of nuclear weapons must be taken seriously — and will only backfire by damaging future peace efforts. Once this route is taken, there's no going back, and this isn't the right time or the right tool.