The Russian mercenary group Wagner is set to be officially designated as a terrorist organization, as announced by the UK’s Home Office. A draft proscription order is scheduled to be presented in parliament this Wednesday, which will effectively make it unlawful to be a member of or provide support to the Russian group within the UK.
Under certain proscription offenses, individuals found guilty can face sentences of up to 14 years in prison. Additionally, as part of this order, Wagner’s assets can be classified as terrorist property and subject to seizure.
Led by Yevgeny Prigozhin until his tragic death in a plane crash last month, Wagner has played a significant role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The group has also been actively involved in various conflicts in countries like Syria, the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Libya.
The decision to proscribe Wagner as a terrorist organization was influenced by the nature and scale of its activities, as well as the potential threat it poses to British nationals abroad, according to the Home Office.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman stated, “Wagner is a violent and destructive organization that has functioned as a military instrument of Vladimir Putin’s Russia on the international stage. While Putin’s regime grapples with the consequences of its creation, Wagner’s ongoing destabilizing actions serve the Kremlin’s political agenda.”
Braverman further emphasized the group’s involvement in looting, torture, and heinous murders, describing its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa as threats to global security. The move to proscribe Wagner as a terrorist organization underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing struggle against Russia.
