Mitch McConnell calls on Biden to label Russia a state sponsor of terrorism after GOP leaders met with Zelenskyy, report says

• Mitch McConnell called on President Joe Biden to dub Russia a state sponsor of terrorism.
• He made the comments during a press call on Sunday, according to The Hill.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged President Joe Biden to name Russia a state sponsor of terrorism following a recent visit to Kyiv alongside fellow Republican leaders, The Hill reported.

According to the US Department of State, countries that repeatedly back "acts of international terrorism" are given the title, which includes "restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance." Countries that currently hold the title include Cuba, Syria, Iran, and North Korea.

"I think it's a good idea, and I would support that," McConnell said on a press call on Sunday, the outlet reported. "The president could do it on his own, and I would urge him to do it."

According to The Hill, McConnell's remarks come after Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal proposed a resolution to give Russia the label earlier this month.

"Putin is a thug, and a bully, and he will continue being an increasing threat to Europe and the world unless he is stopped," Blumenthal said at a news conference last week, according to CNBC. He also called Russian President Vladimir Putin someone who "embodies terrorism and totalitarianism and tyranny," the outlet reported.

Over the weekend, McConnell and other GOP senators met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amid the country's ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy said the move showed "a strong signal of bipartisan support" from the United States.

"I thank you for your leadership in aiding our fight not only for our country, but for democratic values and freedom," Zelenskyy said in an Instagram post. "We are very grateful for this."

Last week, a top Ukraine official called out Republican Sen. Rand Paul for stalling $40 billion in aid to Kyiv as Ukrainian forces continue fight off Russian attacks. Additionally, other GOP members like Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene have struck down nearly every single bill passed in Congress in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"This naked aggression must not stand," McConnell said, per The Hill. "I wanted to assure them that within the Congress there was very, very broad support for continuing the fight."