Latvia's parliament on Thursday designated Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism" over the war in Ukraine and called on Western allies to impose more comprehensive sanctions on Moscow in order to bring an end to the conflict.
"Latvia recognizes Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people," the Baltic nation's parliament said in a resolution.
"Latvia recognizes Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people."
Latvias Parliament
Western nations should increase their military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic backing for Ukraine and support initiatives condemning Russia's actions, it added.
Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes and thousands have been killed since Russia's invasion in February.
Moscow says it does not deliberately target civilians in what it calls its "special military operation" aimed at safeguarding Russia's security and protecting Russian speakers in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was grateful for the Latvian parliament's resolution.
"Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit," Kuleba tweeted.
Grateful to Latvian parliament Saeimas and all of its members for recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. A timely move: Russia has long deserved this status with its actions in Ukraine and beyond. Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit. https://t.co/1lZNfYg7nP
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) August 11, 2022