WASHINGTON DC – A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has launched a powerful campaign to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding the immediate return of an estimated 19,000 Ukrainian children forcibly abducted during the ongoing conflict. They warn that failure to comply will result in the immediate designation of Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, a move with significant economic and diplomatic repercussions.
The push in the US House coincides with the Senate’s efforts to advance its version of the bill, signaling a unified legislative front against what lawmakers are calling an “unmistakable act of terror” orchestrated by the Kremlin.
House Introduces ‘Ultimatum’ Legislation
In Congress, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, and Congressman Bill Keating (D-MA) formally introduced the “Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act.” The legislation sets a definitive 60-day deadline for the Secretary of State to certify that the abducted children have been returned and reintegration is underway.
“Putin has abducted more than 19,000 Ukrainian children—not by accident, but by design. A deliberate, calculated act of terror,” Congressman Fitzpatrick stated. “Today… we introduced bipartisan legislation delivering a clear ultimatum: return these children or face the full weight of a State Sponsor of Terrorism designation,” he added.
Failure to meet this deadline would trigger a mandatory designation, imposing severe sanctions and further isolating Moscow on the global stage. Congressman Keating echoed the urgency, stating that the forcible abduction of children “is an unconscionable act that demands justice and accountability.”
Senate Moves to Advance Companion Bill
Meanwhile, across the Capitol, the Senate is making rapid progress on its companion measure. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is scheduled to vote on advancing the bill today. Introduced by a bipartisan coalition including Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the Senate legislation focuses specifically on the abduction of children—a war crime that forms the basis of an International Criminal Court indictment against Putin.
“Russia’s earned the right to be on this list,” said Senator Graham, referring to the exclusive group of countries currently designated as state sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, and Syria.
The overwhelming bipartisan momentum in Congress contrasts sharply with the current White House approach. President Trump’s recent efforts have centered on a proposed—now halted—face-to-face summit with Putin in Budapest, Hungary. This legislative pressure from Congress appears aimed at imposing maximum costs on Russia while the administration pursues high-level dialogue.
“Clear and Measured Response” with “Real Teeth”
Lawmakers from both chambers have stressed that the designation is far more than symbolic. It would exponentially raise the cost of doing business with Moscow, sending a clear warning to any international actor partnering with the Kremlin.
“A State Sponsor of Terrorism designation carries real teeth,” Congressman Fitzpatrick cautioned. “It will make every dollar, every shipment, every transaction that touches the Kremlin more dangerous and more costly,” he added.
While the House and Senate are quickly advancing their respective bills, the ultimate path to law remains uncertain. Though bipartisan support is strong, the measure’s fate rests on whether it can overcome potential opposition from a White House that, in past years, sought a less punitive “aggressor state” label to maintain diplomatic flexibility.
For the nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children separated from their homes and families—many reportedly subjected to “re-education” and cultural erasure in Russian custody—Congress has made its intent clear: their safe return is now the non-negotiable price of avoiding the ultimate state-sponsored terror designation.
