HomeMy WebLinkAboutSB Supporting Designation - Russian FederationRESOLUTION NO. 2025 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH,
FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AS A
STATE SPONSOR OF TERRORISM UNDER UNITED STATES LAW; URGING THE
UNITED STATES CONGRESS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO ENACT AND
IMPLEMENT LEGISLATION CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT OF SENATE BILLS
INTRODUCED BY U.S. SENATORS LINDSEY GRAHAM AND RICHARD
BLUMENTHAL; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach (the "City") is a diverse and vibrant community
committed to promoting peace, security, and the well-being of its residents and the global
community; and
WHEREAS, the Russian Federation's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, beginning in 2014
and escalating in 2022, has involved documented atrocities, war crimes, and the reported
abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children, actions which constitute a grave threat to
international peace and security; and
WHEREAS, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R -South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D -
Connecticut) have introduced bipartisan legislation, including the "Russia is a State Sponsor of
Terrorism Act", to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S.
law, which would impose significant sanctions, restrict foreign assistance, curtail defense and
technology exports, and eliminate Russia's sovereign immunity in U.S. courts, thereby allowing
victims of Russian state-sponsored terrorism to seek justice; and
WHEREAS, such a designation would place the Russian Federation alongside other
nations, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria, recognized by the United States as state
sponsors of terrorism for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism; and
WHEREAS, the City of Sunny Isles Beach recognizes the importance of holding nations
accountable for actions that undermine global stability, human rights, and democratic values,
and believes that designating the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism would send
a clear message that such behavior is unacceptable; and
WHEREAS, the City, home to a diverse population including many residents of Eastern
European descent, has a unique interest in promoting peace and condemning actions that
destabilize the international community, particularly in regions connected to its residents'
heritage; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to express its support for federal efforts to address the
Russian Federation's actions and to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and other
victims of Russian aggression.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY
ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
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Section 1. Support for Designation. The City Commission hereby expresses its support for
the designation of the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism under United States
law, as proposed in bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and
Richard Blumenthal.
Section 2. Call to Action. The City Commission urges the United States Congress to pass,
and the U.S. Department of State to implement, legislation that designates the Russian
Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, thereby enabling enhanced sanctions, restrictions
on foreign assistance, export controls, and legal recourse for victims of Russian state-sponsored
terrorism.
Section 3. Solidarity with Victims. The City Commission expresses its solidarity with the
people of Ukraine, the victims of Russian aggression worldwide, and all those affected by acts of
international terrorism perpetrated or supported by the Russian Federation.
Section 4. Transmittal. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a certified copy of this
resolution to the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, the Office of U.S. Senator Richard
Blumenthal, the U.S. Department of State, the Governor of the State of Florida, and the
members of the Florida Congressional Delegation.
Section 5. Effective Date. This Resolution will become effective upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 211t day of August, 2025.
ATTEST:
Mauricio Betancur, CMC, City Clerk
Larisa Svechin, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
Alain E. Boileau, P.A., for Nabors, Giblin &
Nickerson, City Attorney
Moved by: Seconded by:
Vote:
Mayor Svechin
(Yes)
(No)
Vice Mayor Lama
(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Joseph
(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Stuyvesant
(Yes)
(No)
Commissioner Viscarra
(Yes)
(No)
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City of Sunny Isles Beach
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160
(305) 947-0606 City Hall
(305) 949-3113 Fax
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Fabiola Stuyvesant, Commissioner
DATE: August 21, 2025
RE: Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Under
United States Law
RECOMMENDATION:
This resolution is presented for your consideration.
REASONS:
The attached resolution expresses the City of Sunny Isles Beach's support for the designation of the
Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism under United States law. This position aligns with
bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, which seeks
to hold the Russian government accountable for its documented war crimes and aggression against
Ukraine, including the reported abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children. Such a designation would
impose significant sanctions, restrict foreign assistance, curtail defense and technology exports, and
eliminate Russia's sovereign immunity in U.S. courts, allowing victims of state-sponsored terrorism to
seek justice. The City recognizes the importance of standing in solidarity with those affected by these
atrocities and believes this action would send a strong message in defense of international peace and
human rights.
Sunny Isles Beach is home to a diverse population, including many residents of Eastern European
descent, and has a unique interest in promoting global stability and democratic values. By adopting this
resolution, the City Commission affirms its commitment to peace and accountability, and urges
Congress and the U.S. Department of State to enact and implement legislation consistent with the
intent of the proposed federal measures.
ATTACHMENTS:
Item Number: 9.P
1
Resolution
Item Number: 9.13