The Latvian parliament Thursday has designated Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism", calling on Western allies to implement more comprehensive sanctions on Moscow.

"Latvia recognizes Russia's actions in Ukraine as targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people," the Baltic nation's parliament said in a resolution, which also argued that Western nations should increase their military, financial, humanitarian and diplomatic support for Ukraine while also supporting initiatives to condemn Russia's actions. 

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he was grateful for the Latvian resolution. 

"Ukraine encourages other states and organizations to follow suit," Kuleba tweeted.

Russia condemns Latvia's statements

Moscow condemned the resolution that designated Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism." 

"Considering that there is no substance, except for animalistic xenophobia, behind this decision, it is necessary to call the ideologues nothing more than neo-Nazis," wrote Maria Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokesperson.

On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that Washington will be conducting more military exercises with Baltic nations such as Latvia, as it offers more military training. He further added that the US may bring in more troops if needed to support the region against alleged Russian threats.

Europe’s imperialist viewpoint of the world comes as no surprise – the increasing militarization and systemic brutality of the continent’s armies are resurrecting grounds for fascist violence on its borders as well as its neo-colonies. 

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